Thursday, February 20, 2014
The Ark of the New Covenant
[S] = Scripture; [O] = Observation; [A] = Application; [P] = Prayer.
Quiet time thoughts from earlier this month .....
[S] 1 Kings 8:9 NIV84
There was nothing in the ark except the two stone tablets that Moses had placed in at Horeb, where the Lord made a covenant with the Israelites after they came out of Egypt.
[O]
The ark was being moved into the Most Holy place in the temple that Solomon had just completed. As I read this, it occurred to me that the terms of the old covenant were written on stone and kept in an ark - a special wooden box made by the hands of men. But the terms of the new covenant are now internal to man, not external, written on hearts - kept in the ark of the new covenant, heart.
[A]
My heart is sacred, holy ground! I've observed how much care was taken to move the ark of the old old covenant; how revered that box, made by the hands of men, was to the Israelites because God's glory was there! And I have inside of me the ark of the new covenant - not made by the hands of men but rather God's when I passed from death to life. A circumcised heart by the hand of God - a place prepared by Him for His new covenant. Wow! Be in awe of this! The living covenant inside me. Wow! Be careful with my heart .... (Prov. 4:23-27; Phil. 4:4-7)
[P]
O Lord, this strikes me so freshly today! This is even far more profound than I understand. I ask you, Lord, to magnify this in my understanding. Help me be even more in awe of this - of you! Amen.
Quiet time thoughts from earlier this month .....
[S] 1 Kings 8:9 NIV84
There was nothing in the ark except the two stone tablets that Moses had placed in at Horeb, where the Lord made a covenant with the Israelites after they came out of Egypt.
[O]
The ark was being moved into the Most Holy place in the temple that Solomon had just completed. As I read this, it occurred to me that the terms of the old covenant were written on stone and kept in an ark - a special wooden box made by the hands of men. But the terms of the new covenant are now internal to man, not external, written on hearts - kept in the ark of the new covenant, heart.
[A]
My heart is sacred, holy ground! I've observed how much care was taken to move the ark of the old old covenant; how revered that box, made by the hands of men, was to the Israelites because God's glory was there! And I have inside of me the ark of the new covenant - not made by the hands of men but rather God's when I passed from death to life. A circumcised heart by the hand of God - a place prepared by Him for His new covenant. Wow! Be in awe of this! The living covenant inside me. Wow! Be careful with my heart .... (Prov. 4:23-27; Phil. 4:4-7)
[P]
O Lord, this strikes me so freshly today! This is even far more profound than I understand. I ask you, Lord, to magnify this in my understanding. Help me be even more in awe of this - of you! Amen.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Re-Group
Today I'm trying to figure out why I'm failing. Just to get the process started, I chose to review some older journal entries. In my "travels" I came across an entry regarding storing up treasures in heaven. I find myself challenged by my own comments: "Good I do in other's lives cannot be lost or stolen like earthly treasures." In addition to this, I'm struck by the realization that I must pray that people would see God in those deeds because if that doesn't happen, what's the point?
The sad part of all this is that I've been able to reasonably define what to do (the journal entry is from December 31, 2007), but, by my actions, it appears that this is a mere "between-the-ears" concept that I've not adopted.
The good part is this: "For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him (Philippians 2:13)."
God's exhortation is this: "... put into action God's saving work in your lives, obeying God with deep reverence and fear (Philippians 2:12)."
Lord, may it be so.
The sad part of all this is that I've been able to reasonably define what to do (the journal entry is from December 31, 2007), but, by my actions, it appears that this is a mere "between-the-ears" concept that I've not adopted.
The good part is this: "For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him (Philippians 2:13)."
God's exhortation is this: "... put into action God's saving work in your lives, obeying God with deep reverence and fear (Philippians 2:12)."
Lord, may it be so.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Fictional Collection
For those who claim Christ, disregarding the Bible as merely a collection of fictional stories most certainly facilitates a shallow "faith" characterized, at best, as merely ceremonial. This position allows the individual to embrace stories that support their brand of self-righteousness while discarding those that offer challenges to that position. Their motive is highly selfish in that personal image is of highest concern, not realizing (or caring) that their brand of Christianity turns non-believers further from God and prepares the way for believers to stumble, or even fall away. They have an appearance of righteousness, but deny the power of Christ that could produce true holiness in their lives.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Worldview Misalignment
From Newsmax.com:
"Exit polls showed Obama winning big with black Protestants (94 percent backed him), Hispanic Catholics (72 percent), and Hispanic Protestants and other Christians (67 percent). Obama won the election handily even though white Catholics and white Protestants backed Republican John McCain."
By this report, most church-people have a skewed understanding (or no understanding at all) of Biblical worldview. Maybe it has to do with what's been stated about American Christianity --- 1" deep, 4 miles wide. Or maybe this indicates that the majority of people who attend Christian church services do so when it somehow benefits them or assuages their conscience.
Why am I surprised ...........
2 Timothy 3
1But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.
>>> With God's help, let's be doers of the Word --- letting it influence how we live!!
"Exit polls showed Obama winning big with black Protestants (94 percent backed him), Hispanic Catholics (72 percent), and Hispanic Protestants and other Christians (67 percent). Obama won the election handily even though white Catholics and white Protestants backed Republican John McCain."
By this report, most church-people have a skewed understanding (or no understanding at all) of Biblical worldview. Maybe it has to do with what's been stated about American Christianity --- 1" deep, 4 miles wide. Or maybe this indicates that the majority of people who attend Christian church services do so when it somehow benefits them or assuages their conscience.
Why am I surprised ...........
2 Timothy 3
1But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.
>>> With God's help, let's be doers of the Word --- letting it influence how we live!!
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Wise Man or Mocker
(Proverbs 9:7-8 TLB)
If you rebuke a mocker, you will only get a smart retort; yes, he will snarl at you. So don't bother with him; he will only hate you for trying to help him. But a wise man, when rebuked, will love you all the more.
----------
One challenge is to not somehow "qualify" the rebuker when I'm the rebukee --- writing the person off as not knowing what they're talking about, or not understanding my situation. God tells us to make allowance for weaker brothers and sisters, and also not to use my freedoms to cause another to stumble.
Another challenge is to not recoil in defense if the rebuker's approach feels like an attack. There is much to be offended by in the world. If I consistently can't get past an "offense" and glean benefit from the rebuke, I will remain a legend in my own mind and a stubborn fool in the mind of others.
--> Lord God, help me allow you to be my defender. Help me allow you to make me better through correction. Help me remember that what others may intend for harm, you will use for good.
If you rebuke a mocker, you will only get a smart retort; yes, he will snarl at you. So don't bother with him; he will only hate you for trying to help him. But a wise man, when rebuked, will love you all the more.
----------
One challenge is to not somehow "qualify" the rebuker when I'm the rebukee --- writing the person off as not knowing what they're talking about, or not understanding my situation. God tells us to make allowance for weaker brothers and sisters, and also not to use my freedoms to cause another to stumble.
Another challenge is to not recoil in defense if the rebuker's approach feels like an attack. There is much to be offended by in the world. If I consistently can't get past an "offense" and glean benefit from the rebuke, I will remain a legend in my own mind and a stubborn fool in the mind of others.
--> Lord God, help me allow you to be my defender. Help me allow you to make me better through correction. Help me remember that what others may intend for harm, you will use for good.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
The Believer's Hope
"The believer's hope is more than escape from judgment; it's eternal glory. We're encouraged by knowing that God is working toward our future glorification, the goal of His eternal plan for us. Because God will make us like His glorious Son in body and soul, the most discouraging times in this fallen world cannot diminish the hope of our future glory. Our spiritual struggles will not continue forever. We will eventually be what God intends." - Dr. Rick Cornish, "5 Minute Theologian," p. 248
--> O Lord, help me know and rest in your eternal promises. Help me remain in You and true hope.
--> O Lord, help me know and rest in your eternal promises. Help me remain in You and true hope.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Americans: My Faith Isn't the Only Way to Heaven
This was the title of a recent Fox News article. Disturbingly this opinion comes from many that claim to be Christians ... followers of Christ. I wonder if those surveyed would say something like, "Isn't it arrogant to believe that a certain faith has the only way to eternal life?" And they're right if the statement is presumptive ... coming from someone lacking any solid knowledge of what they believe. By human standards, the Bible is accurate beyond any reputable standard used in establishing the accuracy and authenticity of literature. Archaeology has, over time, proved the Bible's accuracy. Instead of arrogance, I believe trendy, pop-culture ignorance is the problem --- coupled with man's tendency to rebel against authority.
Those who claim to be Christians are truly idiots if they hold to the lie that there are multiple paths to Heaven. How can I say that? Read this:
"I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!" - Galatians 2:21 (New International Version)
If we can earn our way to Heaven (all other religions, including the Catholic Church, are all about this!), then Christ died for nothing! What kind of an idiot would claim association with a God that would unnecessarily cause a sinless man to die such a terrible death? Where's the justice in that? Where's the compassion in that? What kind of Heaven would be run by such a God?
I level this criticism at "believers," not those who don't claim to believe because they don't know any better having been blinded by the god of this world (ref. 2 Corinthians 4:4).
Those who claim to be Christians are truly idiots if they hold to the lie that there are multiple paths to Heaven. How can I say that? Read this:
"I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!" - Galatians 2:21 (New International Version)
If we can earn our way to Heaven (all other religions, including the Catholic Church, are all about this!), then Christ died for nothing! What kind of an idiot would claim association with a God that would unnecessarily cause a sinless man to die such a terrible death? Where's the justice in that? Where's the compassion in that? What kind of Heaven would be run by such a God?
I level this criticism at "believers," not those who don't claim to believe because they don't know any better having been blinded by the god of this world (ref. 2 Corinthians 4:4).
Monday, June 23, 2008
Freedom
Victorious living does not equal freedom from temptation, but rather having the knowledge and strength to choose God's ways when tempted --- it's my response that counts. I can't control Satan, but because of Christ I can control my response.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Soldier or Civilian?
(2 Timothy 2:4 NIV)
No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer.
I'm a bit mad about politics. The 2008 Presidential race offers no real choice --- either Liberal or Liberal Lite. Additionally, policy is being promoted (and adopted) in reaction to the great Environmentalism lie of Global Warming --- which if a differing opinion is presented tends to be greeted by the same response as being opposed to Darwinism. So what happened to the idea of tolerance so touted by The Left? Pop-politics! Aaargh! It sounds so enlightened --- oh blah, blah, blah it makes me wanna barf.
[deep breath]
It's far too easy to walk by sight during circumstances that "squeeze me."
And then I'm reminded of God's ways (they are not the ways of man). And I'm reminded that He alone is Savior (not the government). And I'm reminded that God takes care of those who serve Him with their lives (not the economy or government welfare). And I'm reminded that this world, by design, is perishing (not because we use oil). And I'm reminded that I have hope beyond today and the span of my life on earth.
Thank you God for truth. Help me rest in You today, and not in what I deem to be favorable circumstances --- pleasure does not necessarily equate to good.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Lasting Credit
(Proverbs 11:4 LB)
Your riches won't help you on Judgment Day; only righteousness counts then.
God considers money as nothing, yet I place so much value on it. It's interesting to me that the amount that I have has little to do with how much effort goes into earning that. Some people have never worked for a penny, yet have more than they could ever know what to do with it; some work like dogs and have very little --- just scraping by. Monetary value is subject to the fickleness of man and what we esteem highly in a temporary place --- Earth. Real value is subject to the unchanging nature of God and what He esteems highly in an eternally permanent place --- Heaven. It would be best for me to work for things that count eternally, and place less emphasis on "getting ahead."
Your riches won't help you on Judgment Day; only righteousness counts then.
God considers money as nothing, yet I place so much value on it. It's interesting to me that the amount that I have has little to do with how much effort goes into earning that. Some people have never worked for a penny, yet have more than they could ever know what to do with it; some work like dogs and have very little --- just scraping by. Monetary value is subject to the fickleness of man and what we esteem highly in a temporary place --- Earth. Real value is subject to the unchanging nature of God and what He esteems highly in an eternally permanent place --- Heaven. It would be best for me to work for things that count eternally, and place less emphasis on "getting ahead."
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Investment Strategy
(Mathew 6:19-21)
19"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
-> Investing in "treasures on earth" is short-sighted, subject to the fickle trends of man, and the elements of nature. True financial wisdom is based on the knowledge that only God promises to keep our investments safe (he also promises HUGE returns), and, since the returns will come later, the guts to believe Him. Additionally, regardless of what we say, it's easy to see what we believe if we honestly assess what consumes our thoughts.
Monday, June 09, 2008
"For the pagans run after all these things ...."
The prices in this picture threaten every aspect of our financial well-being ... and I haved to admit I worry about this. Praise God! I have an opportunity to cling to him, and his promises. Get perspective, be thankful, faithful, and humble --- God has not abandon me!
------------------------------------------------------------
(Mathew 6:25-34)
25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life[b]?
28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
------------------------------------
(Psalm 50:14-15)
"Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High,
15 and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me."
15 and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me."
Monday, February 04, 2008
... and how 'bout them Giants!
I doubt that I'll redecorate my work cubicle or garage with Giant memorobilia --- probably won't even buy a cap, but I gotta say I'm quite pleased that the New York Giants won the Super Bowl. They've consistently played 60 minutes --- I'm impressed!
I'm no longer a huge football fan (kinda laid that to rest in the late 80's after one too many wasted Sundays watching the Vikings lose .....), but I also gotta say that all the playoff games (including The Bowl) were exciting to watch ... I may even reconsider watching some games next fall. :-)
I'm no longer a huge football fan (kinda laid that to rest in the late 80's after one too many wasted Sundays watching the Vikings lose .....), but I also gotta say that all the playoff games (including The Bowl) were exciting to watch ... I may even reconsider watching some games next fall. :-)
Old Dog, New Tricks ....
(Titus 3:14 NIV)
Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good ....
Doing good is a learned behavior; requires thought and practice. Lately, I've been living my life a bit more self-centered than usual and the Lord "spoke" to me about that yesterday. My first thought was, "OK, how do I do good at home?" God then spoke again --- "God is not a God of disorder but of peace." (1 Cor. 14:33) How true it is that when there's disorder in my life, there's unrest, so it seems that Sara and I should work at a little more structure with some things at home. God also showed me that I need to be disciplined (Titus 1:8), and help carry my wife's burdens (Galatians 6:2), and to not become weary in doing good (Galatians 6:9). "That seems like a lot to do, Lord --- it feels kind of overwhelming already!" God replied, "Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall." (Psalm 55:22)
It's good to listen to the Lord ....
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Sssshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
(Matthew 17:5-7 NIV)
While he [Peter] was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!" [6] When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. [7] But Jesus came and touched them, "Get up," He said. "Don't be afraid."
Jesus was transfigured and speaking with Moses and Elijah when Peter began telling Jesus how great it was to be there, etc. Suddenly, God butts in a very direct way --- and the disciples were terrified! Who wouldn't be?! But then Jesus comes to them, and reassures them. Seems kind of contradictory --- kinda like God is the bad cop, Jesus is the good cop.
After a little thought, though, I don't think that's the case at all. Sometimes my oldest son will be running around doing boy things --- sometimes jabbering quite loudly --- and I'll "butt in." My butting in always carries a very direct command. Sometimes he cries (not quite "terrified" like the disciples ....), but I gently reassure him that Daddy loves him, but that Daddy means business and he must obey.
Since God is our Father, I think this, in part, may have been what was going on here.
While he [Peter] was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!" [6] When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. [7] But Jesus came and touched them, "Get up," He said. "Don't be afraid."
Jesus was transfigured and speaking with Moses and Elijah when Peter began telling Jesus how great it was to be there, etc. Suddenly, God butts in a very direct way --- and the disciples were terrified! Who wouldn't be?! But then Jesus comes to them, and reassures them. Seems kind of contradictory --- kinda like God is the bad cop, Jesus is the good cop.
After a little thought, though, I don't think that's the case at all. Sometimes my oldest son will be running around doing boy things --- sometimes jabbering quite loudly --- and I'll "butt in." My butting in always carries a very direct command. Sometimes he cries (not quite "terrified" like the disciples ....), but I gently reassure him that Daddy loves him, but that Daddy means business and he must obey.
Since God is our Father, I think this, in part, may have been what was going on here.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Stupid is as Stupid does ......
"A fool's mouth is his undoing ...."
(Proverbs 18:7a NIV)
Each person speaks his/her native tongue. Words spoken (or written) reveal the heart --- identifying the person. Sobering.
(Proverbs 18:7a NIV)
Each person speaks his/her native tongue. Words spoken (or written) reveal the heart --- identifying the person. Sobering.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Wisdom Proved Right by Actions
... a fresh post for Kiki.
(Matthew 11:18, 19 NIV)
"... John came neither eating or drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.' [19] the Son of Man came eating a drinking and the say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." ' But wisdon is proved right by her actions."
--> It's easy to be critical of appearances. It's easy to be skeptical when/if they don't immediately and exactly line up with our preconceived ideas. It's easy to "pick at" and "pick apart" surfacy things and never hear the message. Beware arrogance!
--> People can/will be critical of what I do regardless of what it is that I do --- but if I'm focused on doing what's right, my actions will prove themselves. Live at peace with others in as much as it depends on me, but do right first and foremost. Beware people-pleasing!
(Matthew 11:18, 19 NIV)
"... John came neither eating or drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.' [19] the Son of Man came eating a drinking and the say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." ' But wisdon is proved right by her actions."
--> It's easy to be critical of appearances. It's easy to be skeptical when/if they don't immediately and exactly line up with our preconceived ideas. It's easy to "pick at" and "pick apart" surfacy things and never hear the message. Beware arrogance!
--> People can/will be critical of what I do regardless of what it is that I do --- but if I'm focused on doing what's right, my actions will prove themselves. Live at peace with others in as much as it depends on me, but do right first and foremost. Beware people-pleasing!
Saturday, March 17, 2007
God and Hell
"The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9 NIV)
God doesn't have a desire for humans to go to hell; His desire is that each of us would choose life --- to make a decision to wholeheartedly follow Him as a result of coming to our senses about who He truly is and who we truly are. At some future point in history, God will bring all of creation to a crescendo --- but currently He chooses to allow time to pass in hopes that more people will turn to Him and be saved from His coming righteous wrath toward evil.
I found the following excerpts from Dr. Rick Cornish's book, "5 Minute Apologist," pp. 123-125 to be educational; his words (logical reasoning) also caused growth in my affections toward God.
"God did not make hell for humans but for Satan and his angels (Matthew 25:41). Humans go there as a result of rejecting God, expressing their persistent desire to avoid Him. He grants their wish, deporting them to the place of their dreams --- absence from Him, the central aspect of hell (2 Thessalonians 1:9)."
"... by a life of rejecting God and His salvation, people choose their own separation from Him. In effect, they get what they wanted by refusing God. In fact, wouldn't heaven be hell for those who hate God? What is God to do, force them to choose Him even though they don't want Him? Perhaps it's an act of grace that God allows them a special place where they can hate Him to their heart's content."
"God is gracious to everyone for eternity. He supplies exactly what they desire, a place suited for those who want Him --- heaven; and a place for those who don't --- hell."
God doesn't have a desire for humans to go to hell; His desire is that each of us would choose life --- to make a decision to wholeheartedly follow Him as a result of coming to our senses about who He truly is and who we truly are. At some future point in history, God will bring all of creation to a crescendo --- but currently He chooses to allow time to pass in hopes that more people will turn to Him and be saved from His coming righteous wrath toward evil.
I found the following excerpts from Dr. Rick Cornish's book, "5 Minute Apologist," pp. 123-125 to be educational; his words (logical reasoning) also caused growth in my affections toward God.
"God did not make hell for humans but for Satan and his angels (Matthew 25:41). Humans go there as a result of rejecting God, expressing their persistent desire to avoid Him. He grants their wish, deporting them to the place of their dreams --- absence from Him, the central aspect of hell (2 Thessalonians 1:9)."
"... by a life of rejecting God and His salvation, people choose their own separation from Him. In effect, they get what they wanted by refusing God. In fact, wouldn't heaven be hell for those who hate God? What is God to do, force them to choose Him even though they don't want Him? Perhaps it's an act of grace that God allows them a special place where they can hate Him to their heart's content."
"God is gracious to everyone for eternity. He supplies exactly what they desire, a place suited for those who want Him --- heaven; and a place for those who don't --- hell."
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Who do we think He is?
[7]"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. [8] With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles."
Later in the chapter, the Bible records that "the Lord sent an angel, who annihilated all the fighting men and the leaders and officers in the camp of the Assyrian king." (ref. 2 Chron. 32:21 NIV)
Why did God do that? Isn't God supposed to be this "anything goes, push-over" kind of God that we can all feel good about regardless of how we live our lives? Apparently not. God apparently opposes the proud. Not only does He say that ... He's been known to display that through earthly events. Sennacherib (the Assyrian King that was coming against Israel) and his officers spoke and wrote letters to Hezekiah and his leaders. Apparently Sennacherib didn't think too highly of the God of Israel ... comparing Him to the gods and idols of every other country the Assyrians had defeated. So God decided to call his bluff.
"Yeah, yeah!" you say. "Just another pesky Bible story!" Maybe. But read the following and check out the source for yourself .........
Excerpt from Encyclopedia.com:
Hezekiah , in the Bible, king of Judah, son and successor of Ahaz. During his reign Sennacherib of Assyria routed (701 BC) the rebellious Jews and exacted a high indemnity from them. However, a plague in the Assyrian army saved (690 BC) Judah from a second invasion by Sennacherib.
Hmmmmm, that plague sounds like an "Act of God" to me.
Later in the chapter, the Bible records that "the Lord sent an angel, who annihilated all the fighting men and the leaders and officers in the camp of the Assyrian king." (ref. 2 Chron. 32:21 NIV)
Why did God do that? Isn't God supposed to be this "anything goes, push-over" kind of God that we can all feel good about regardless of how we live our lives? Apparently not. God apparently opposes the proud. Not only does He say that ... He's been known to display that through earthly events. Sennacherib (the Assyrian King that was coming against Israel) and his officers spoke and wrote letters to Hezekiah and his leaders. Apparently Sennacherib didn't think too highly of the God of Israel ... comparing Him to the gods and idols of every other country the Assyrians had defeated. So God decided to call his bluff.
"Yeah, yeah!" you say. "Just another pesky Bible story!" Maybe. But read the following and check out the source for yourself .........
Excerpt from Encyclopedia.com:
Hezekiah , in the Bible, king of Judah, son and successor of Ahaz. During his reign Sennacherib of Assyria routed (701 BC) the rebellious Jews and exacted a high indemnity from them. However, a plague in the Assyrian army saved (690 BC) Judah from a second invasion by Sennacherib.
Hmmmmm, that plague sounds like an "Act of God" to me.
Saturday, March 03, 2007
The View From, er... Ninety-Two
In case anyone has ever wondered what The View From Ninety-Two really looks like .....
Though recent snow storms have dumped a lot of snow on "the front 40," the USPS's finest have not been deterred from trudging through the yard. It's all about persistence and diligence, through rain, sleet, snow .......
Monday, February 26, 2007
Silent Witness
The heavens tell of the glory of God; the skies display His marvelous craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make Him known. They speak without a sound or a word; their voice is silent in the skies; yet their message has gone out to all of the earth, and their words to all the world.
-Psalm 19:1-4
I've been pondering old days; late night camping experiences all alone staring at a perfectly clear sky and "hearing" the stars and cosmos witnessing to God's glory. I remember being in awe of what I saw ... and even remember talking to God about my life, hoping that He was there. Years later, when I first came across this piece of Scripture I was immediately reminded of those times and thanked God for patiently, steadily convincing me of His realness before I could even begin to comprehend His Word (which, at the time, was confusing, irrelevant nonsense to me). Those were times when I needed Him so very badly because I was literally in grave danger, being hunted by my worst enemy: myself. Though I wasn't ready, nor did I know how to come home, I'm thankful for those times away from the things of man because my Father used them like grains of sand to build a foundation in my heart. A platform from which He could gently speak truth to me when I was ready to hear. Praise be to God forever!
-Psalm 19:1-4
I've been pondering old days; late night camping experiences all alone staring at a perfectly clear sky and "hearing" the stars and cosmos witnessing to God's glory. I remember being in awe of what I saw ... and even remember talking to God about my life, hoping that He was there. Years later, when I first came across this piece of Scripture I was immediately reminded of those times and thanked God for patiently, steadily convincing me of His realness before I could even begin to comprehend His Word (which, at the time, was confusing, irrelevant nonsense to me). Those were times when I needed Him so very badly because I was literally in grave danger, being hunted by my worst enemy: myself. Though I wasn't ready, nor did I know how to come home, I'm thankful for those times away from the things of man because my Father used them like grains of sand to build a foundation in my heart. A platform from which He could gently speak truth to me when I was ready to hear. Praise be to God forever!
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Wrong Tool
"Emotions cannot determine truth or decide right from wrong. Feeling good does not suggest that something is true, and feeling bad does not indicate it's false. Emotions contain no content, no information by which to evaluate truth or falsehood. Our reasoning capacity performs that function. Emotions are the part of the soul that appreciates and responds to life. Expecting them to identify truth is like asking our ears to smell a flower."
- Dr. Rick Cornish, 5 Minute Apologist, p. 36
It's strikes me that Satan's plan is to heighten my emotions and urge me to give them authority over truth. It's this strategy that he uses to keep me from really knowing and experiencing God. When I feel God's favor, I feel strong; when I don't feel His favor, I feel weak. Shouldn't God's promises make strong? As I write this, I begin to identify with the oracle written by Agur, son of Jakeh, recorded in Proverbs 30:
I am weary, O God; I am weary and worn out, O God. [2] I am too ignorant to be human, and I lack common sense. [3] I have not mastered human wisdom, nor do I know the Holy One.
But, since all wisdom ultimately comes from God (ref. Proverbs 2:6) and that He shows favor to the humble (ref. Proverbs 3:34b), I'm thankful that God would grant me the wisdom to see that I'm ignorant so that I can ask him for His help (be humble before Him) so that He could show me His favor. How gracious is He!
- Dr. Rick Cornish, 5 Minute Apologist, p. 36
It's strikes me that Satan's plan is to heighten my emotions and urge me to give them authority over truth. It's this strategy that he uses to keep me from really knowing and experiencing God. When I feel God's favor, I feel strong; when I don't feel His favor, I feel weak. Shouldn't God's promises make strong? As I write this, I begin to identify with the oracle written by Agur, son of Jakeh, recorded in Proverbs 30:
I am weary, O God; I am weary and worn out, O God. [2] I am too ignorant to be human, and I lack common sense. [3] I have not mastered human wisdom, nor do I know the Holy One.
But, since all wisdom ultimately comes from God (ref. Proverbs 2:6) and that He shows favor to the humble (ref. Proverbs 3:34b), I'm thankful that God would grant me the wisdom to see that I'm ignorant so that I can ask him for His help (be humble before Him) so that He could show me His favor. How gracious is He!
Who's Dave Dravecky?
"I've come to realize that real growth of character takes place in the valleys of life." - Dave Dravecky
I was looking through my Franklin-Covey planner (does anyone really still use this calendaring/scheduling method besides me?) yesterday and came across this quote. Dave's statement caused me to reflect on my own personal voyage through time --- agreeing with his thoughts. I'm not sure that I've really learned anything during my mountain-top experiences. The views have been great, but I've found that I'm prone to becoming a less content, thankful person when those experiences have lasted too long. Kind of ironic, really.
I was looking through my Franklin-Covey planner (does anyone really still use this calendaring/scheduling method besides me?) yesterday and came across this quote. Dave's statement caused me to reflect on my own personal voyage through time --- agreeing with his thoughts. I'm not sure that I've really learned anything during my mountain-top experiences. The views have been great, but I've found that I'm prone to becoming a less content, thankful person when those experiences have lasted too long. Kind of ironic, really.
