6 And the LORD God arranged for a leafy plant to grow there, and soon it spread its broad leaves over Jonah's head, shading him from the sun. This eased some of his discomfort, and Jonah was very grateful for the plant. 7 But God also prepared a worm!
William Blake asked the question- Did He who made the Lamb also make the Tiger? He could see God in the Lamb. Meek, mild, and tender. But surely not the tiger- that steely killler.
God ordains the shade, but he also prepares the worm.
And it is all to His glory! He is Lord!
Friday, July 29, 2005
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
A Myriad of Purposes- A Tapestry of Triumph
I Corinthians 12: 5 "There are different kinds of service in the church, but it is the same Lord we are serving. 6 There are different ways God works in our lives, but it is the same God who does the work through all of us."
Our Bible Department head, Bill Delvaux, has the neatest illustration. He holds up the backside of a beautiful tapestry and reveals all the stitches and thread. It looks like a jumbled mess! But when He turns it around- there is a beautiful handiwork of art.
God is weaving throughout all of history and life experiences, a tapestry of triumph- His GLORY ! It is so complex, that as we look at the individual stitches- the back of the shawl- it seems convoluded and confused.
One family struggles with cancer or depression, another family celebrates the birth of a child. One man finds faith while another curses God to his grave.
One church thrives with excitement while another barely flickers with hope. One city seems to never have a day of change or excitement, while another is bombed almost daily.
Where is God?
He is still at work- spreading His good news of hope! He works in a myriad of different ways- but He alone will triumph.
Come to Christ today, and be a part of His beautiful handiwork!
Our Bible Department head, Bill Delvaux, has the neatest illustration. He holds up the backside of a beautiful tapestry and reveals all the stitches and thread. It looks like a jumbled mess! But when He turns it around- there is a beautiful handiwork of art.
God is weaving throughout all of history and life experiences, a tapestry of triumph- His GLORY ! It is so complex, that as we look at the individual stitches- the back of the shawl- it seems convoluded and confused.
One family struggles with cancer or depression, another family celebrates the birth of a child. One man finds faith while another curses God to his grave.
One church thrives with excitement while another barely flickers with hope. One city seems to never have a day of change or excitement, while another is bombed almost daily.
Where is God?
He is still at work- spreading His good news of hope! He works in a myriad of different ways- but He alone will triumph.
Come to Christ today, and be a part of His beautiful handiwork!
Saturday, July 23, 2005
Where are the Idols?
I Corin. 10: 5 5 Yet after all this, God was not pleased with most of them, and he destroyed them in the wilderness.
6 These events happened as a warning to us, so that we would not crave evil things as they did 7 or worship idols as some of them did. For the Scriptures say, "The people celebrated with feasting and drinking, and they indulged themselves in pagan revelry." 8 And we must not engage in sexual immorality as some of them did, causing 23,000 of them to die in one day. 9 Nor should we put Christ to the test, as some of them did and then died from snakebites. 10 And don't grumble as some of them did, for that is why God sent his angel of death to destroy them. 11 All these events happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us, who live at the time when this age is drawing to a close. 12 If you think you are standing strong, be careful, for you, too, may fall into the same sin. 13 But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it. 14 So, my dear friends, flee from the worship of idols."
I'm really enjoying the NLT of I Corinthians- Paul is so good and God's Word is so powerful.
This is a great passage. The OT is a reminder to us of God's nature and a warning to us on how to displease the Lord. Even after the people experienced His miracles, in the end, God was not pleased with the people and ended up destroying them.
Why? Because we constantly run to idols-maybe not the wooden ones- but we have them all around.
They are represented in our cravings -
Amos 8: 5" You can't wait for the Sabbath day to be over and the religious festivals to end so you can get back to cheating the helpless." The parallel is that we get restless in the things of God and crave worldly things.
They are represented in our grumblings-
Idols tend to make us spoiled and ungrateful.
Next time in worship ask yourself- what does my mind stray to? Is it sexual desires. or leisure, or work. or worries- Sad to say, I think a lot about football- I need to cast those out- all things must be in subjection to Christ.
By the way- the worst state is pride- if you say " I have no idols"- then you are risking the greatest loss of all- Pride prevents the true cure- the blood of Jesus from covering your idol worship.
So- I have idols- I need to throw them down and flee from my cravings and grumbling- I need to lean on Jesus to help me in my idol worship and my only hope is His great mercy and forgiveness.
God is faithful!
6 These events happened as a warning to us, so that we would not crave evil things as they did 7 or worship idols as some of them did. For the Scriptures say, "The people celebrated with feasting and drinking, and they indulged themselves in pagan revelry." 8 And we must not engage in sexual immorality as some of them did, causing 23,000 of them to die in one day. 9 Nor should we put Christ to the test, as some of them did and then died from snakebites. 10 And don't grumble as some of them did, for that is why God sent his angel of death to destroy them. 11 All these events happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us, who live at the time when this age is drawing to a close. 12 If you think you are standing strong, be careful, for you, too, may fall into the same sin. 13 But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it. 14 So, my dear friends, flee from the worship of idols."
I'm really enjoying the NLT of I Corinthians- Paul is so good and God's Word is so powerful.
This is a great passage. The OT is a reminder to us of God's nature and a warning to us on how to displease the Lord. Even after the people experienced His miracles, in the end, God was not pleased with the people and ended up destroying them.
Why? Because we constantly run to idols-maybe not the wooden ones- but we have them all around.
They are represented in our cravings -
Amos 8: 5" You can't wait for the Sabbath day to be over and the religious festivals to end so you can get back to cheating the helpless." The parallel is that we get restless in the things of God and crave worldly things.
They are represented in our grumblings-
Idols tend to make us spoiled and ungrateful.
Next time in worship ask yourself- what does my mind stray to? Is it sexual desires. or leisure, or work. or worries- Sad to say, I think a lot about football- I need to cast those out- all things must be in subjection to Christ.
By the way- the worst state is pride- if you say " I have no idols"- then you are risking the greatest loss of all- Pride prevents the true cure- the blood of Jesus from covering your idol worship.
So- I have idols- I need to throw them down and flee from my cravings and grumbling- I need to lean on Jesus to help me in my idol worship and my only hope is His great mercy and forgiveness.
God is faithful!
Friday, July 15, 2005
The Valley of Decision
Joel 4:14 Thousands upon thousands are waiting in the valley of decision. It is there that the day of the LORD will soon arrive.
This verse just stuck upon me this morning. It is in the context of all the nations gathering for the last big battle of man. All of his greed, and evil is about to push the winepress over the brink. God will soon begin squashing His grapes of wrath- and no one will be able to stand.
Before the day of the Lord- there is still room, there is still time...but it is fleeting.
You, my friend, are in a valley of decision.
Choose well.
This verse just stuck upon me this morning. It is in the context of all the nations gathering for the last big battle of man. All of his greed, and evil is about to push the winepress over the brink. God will soon begin squashing His grapes of wrath- and no one will be able to stand.
Before the day of the Lord- there is still room, there is still time...but it is fleeting.
You, my friend, are in a valley of decision.
Choose well.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Too Simple
Joel 2:32 And anyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.
Is it that simple? The answer is YES... and NO. All the Lord requires is belief..trust....faith. We call on HIM to save us. We trust Him and not ourselves.
If the Lord required money...only the rich could be saved
If the Lord required secret or special knowledge...only the wise could be saved
if the Lord required our works...only the strong and disciplined could be saved
He requires faith- which makes it possible for all to be saved.
I do not trust my good deeds. I do not trust anything to save me but the Lord Jesus Christ.
I will be before the Lord one day in judgement. When I see His holiness, I will be in total awe. My only hope is the covering of Christ. And He is enough.
Simple for us- impossible for us- Yet He makes the way- It was hard for Him and complex- He has made it very clear to us!
Is it that simple? The answer is YES... and NO. All the Lord requires is belief..trust....faith. We call on HIM to save us. We trust Him and not ourselves.
If the Lord required money...only the rich could be saved
If the Lord required secret or special knowledge...only the wise could be saved
if the Lord required our works...only the strong and disciplined could be saved
He requires faith- which makes it possible for all to be saved.
I do not trust my good deeds. I do not trust anything to save me but the Lord Jesus Christ.
I will be before the Lord one day in judgement. When I see His holiness, I will be in total awe. My only hope is the covering of Christ. And He is enough.
Simple for us- impossible for us- Yet He makes the way- It was hard for Him and complex- He has made it very clear to us!
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Called to a Friendship
I Corinthians I Comments
"2 We are writing to the church of God in Corinth, you who have been called by God to be his own holy people. He made you holy by means of Christ Jesus, just as he did all Christians everywhere – whoever calls upon the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and theirs."
Being made holy through Christ- do we really understand how awesome that is? I committed a sin yesterday- I read in the OT this morning how that same sin caused the death of a man of God- yet I am here- alive and writing. Why? Jesus Christ took my death- Oh Forgive me Lord- I have heard that message so many times that I am hard to its true impact! I am alive- I am considered holy in God's eyes! What a Savior!!!
"9 God will surely do this for you, for he always does just what he says, and he is the one who invited you into this wonderful friendship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord."
Wow- God keeps His word- He always does what He says- again, in the OT- if He commanded a curse- it always happened- but I am invited to be a friend to His son! It is a wonderful friendship indeed!
"10 Now, dear brothers and sisters, I appeal to you by the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ to stop arguing among yourselves. Let there be real harmony so there won't be divisions in the church. I plead with you to be of one mind, united in thought and purpose."
If God has made me holy through Christ- if He has welcomed me into His family- is this too hard to ask- that I be a unifier- and seek real harmony with my brothers in the church? Lord- this one is easy- I forgive others- I look for the good- I speak well of others- I do not participate in gossip or inflamatory criticism- I seek the cause of Christ.
Father, the enemy wants to divide us- please pour out a spirit of unity!
"2 We are writing to the church of God in Corinth, you who have been called by God to be his own holy people. He made you holy by means of Christ Jesus, just as he did all Christians everywhere – whoever calls upon the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and theirs."
Being made holy through Christ- do we really understand how awesome that is? I committed a sin yesterday- I read in the OT this morning how that same sin caused the death of a man of God- yet I am here- alive and writing. Why? Jesus Christ took my death- Oh Forgive me Lord- I have heard that message so many times that I am hard to its true impact! I am alive- I am considered holy in God's eyes! What a Savior!!!
"9 God will surely do this for you, for he always does just what he says, and he is the one who invited you into this wonderful friendship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord."
Wow- God keeps His word- He always does what He says- again, in the OT- if He commanded a curse- it always happened- but I am invited to be a friend to His son! It is a wonderful friendship indeed!
"10 Now, dear brothers and sisters, I appeal to you by the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ to stop arguing among yourselves. Let there be real harmony so there won't be divisions in the church. I plead with you to be of one mind, united in thought and purpose."
If God has made me holy through Christ- if He has welcomed me into His family- is this too hard to ask- that I be a unifier- and seek real harmony with my brothers in the church? Lord- this one is easy- I forgive others- I look for the good- I speak well of others- I do not participate in gossip or inflamatory criticism- I seek the cause of Christ.
Father, the enemy wants to divide us- please pour out a spirit of unity!
Monday, July 11, 2005
The Gracious Offer of Repentance
Hosea 14:1 Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God, for your sins have brought you down. 2 Bring your petitions, and return to the LORD. Say to him, "Forgive all our sins and graciously receive us, so that we may offer you the sacrifice of praise. 3 Assyria cannot save us, nor can our strength in battle. Never again will we call the idols we have made 'our gods.' No, in you alone do the orphans find mercy."
4 The LORD says, "Then I will heal you of your idolatry and faithlessness, and my love will know no bounds, for my anger will be gone forever! 5 I will be to Israel like a refreshing dew from heaven. It will blossom like the lily; it will send roots deep into the soil like the cedars in Lebanon. 6 Its branches will spread out like those of beautiful olive trees, as fragrant as the cedar forests of Lebanon. 7 My people will return again to the safety of their land. They will flourish like grain and blossom like grapevines. They will be as fragrant as the wines of Lebanon.
8 "O Israel, stay away from idols! I am the one who looks after you and cares for you. I am like a tree that is always green, giving my fruit to you all through the year." 9 Let those who are wise understand these things. Let those who are discerning listen carefully. The paths of the LORD are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them. But sinners stumble and fall along the way.
I am amazed how as humans we shrink back from this offer- Some say "I've just been to bad" and don't believe God's word concerning His love- Some say "I just need to hide it from His pure eyes" God saw you and he knows- He doesn't approve,but He is not thrown back- His arms are open- Some say 'I'm too good or I'm not that bad" These are the hardest to reach.
Return to Christ- He forgives- He restores- He loves- He blesses!
4 The LORD says, "Then I will heal you of your idolatry and faithlessness, and my love will know no bounds, for my anger will be gone forever! 5 I will be to Israel like a refreshing dew from heaven. It will blossom like the lily; it will send roots deep into the soil like the cedars in Lebanon. 6 Its branches will spread out like those of beautiful olive trees, as fragrant as the cedar forests of Lebanon. 7 My people will return again to the safety of their land. They will flourish like grain and blossom like grapevines. They will be as fragrant as the wines of Lebanon.
8 "O Israel, stay away from idols! I am the one who looks after you and cares for you. I am like a tree that is always green, giving my fruit to you all through the year." 9 Let those who are wise understand these things. Let those who are discerning listen carefully. The paths of the LORD are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them. But sinners stumble and fall along the way.
I am amazed how as humans we shrink back from this offer- Some say "I've just been to bad" and don't believe God's word concerning His love- Some say "I just need to hide it from His pure eyes" God saw you and he knows- He doesn't approve,but He is not thrown back- His arms are open- Some say 'I'm too good or I'm not that bad" These are the hardest to reach.
Return to Christ- He forgives- He restores- He loves- He blesses!
Sunday, July 10, 2005
Amnesia of the Flesh
Hosea 13:"5 I took care of you in the wilderness, in that dry and thirsty land. 6 But when you had eaten and were satisfied, then you became proud and forgot me."
I Kings 11:1 "Now King Solomon loved many foreign women. Besides Pharaoh's daughter, he married women from Moab, Ammon, Edom, Sidon, and from among the Hittites. 2 The LORD had clearly instructed his people not to intermarry with those nations, because the women they married would lead them to worship their gods. Yet Solomon insisted on loving them anyway. 3 He had seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines. And sure enough, they led his heart away from the LORD."
Our hearts are prone to wander. Some of the finest believers with great intentions and early success have ended up in states of rebellion and sin. How does this happen? I believe it happens slowly, thought by thought, moment by moment.
Is there protection from this? Daily ingestion of God's Word helps. An active prayer life- fellowship in a good, Bible teaching church- allow the Holy Spirit to direct and shine on sin.
Usually leisure and success make us more vulnerable- beware the butterslide of praise.
Father, my heart is continually drifting...anchor me to You and Your truth!
I Kings 11:1 "Now King Solomon loved many foreign women. Besides Pharaoh's daughter, he married women from Moab, Ammon, Edom, Sidon, and from among the Hittites. 2 The LORD had clearly instructed his people not to intermarry with those nations, because the women they married would lead them to worship their gods. Yet Solomon insisted on loving them anyway. 3 He had seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines. And sure enough, they led his heart away from the LORD."
Our hearts are prone to wander. Some of the finest believers with great intentions and early success have ended up in states of rebellion and sin. How does this happen? I believe it happens slowly, thought by thought, moment by moment.
Is there protection from this? Daily ingestion of God's Word helps. An active prayer life- fellowship in a good, Bible teaching church- allow the Holy Spirit to direct and shine on sin.
Usually leisure and success make us more vulnerable- beware the butterslide of praise.
Father, my heart is continually drifting...anchor me to You and Your truth!
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Prayer for America
We had a wonderful 4th- we rode bikes to a local neighborhood parade- went downtown for a festival- and ended up at a park for a concert and fireworks! It was a beautiful to celebrate such a wonderful country- And I live in a great part of the nation- God fearing- family loving, gracious people!
Dear God Our Father,
In this time of great division and danger, we ask that you help us. Not that we deserve it, but we want to continue to be a beacon of hope and a model of success. This life is a mixed bag and a temporary host. May you allow us to continue being a preservative of the natural entropy of order.
Lord, the churches are dark in the old land and selfishness reigns. Intellectual imperialism tickles the ears but salve no wounds. Our churches are flickering. Please revive us- give us soft hearts of love and united hearts of courage. We wimper in our prosperity and hoard our greed.
Be gracious to our leaders and heal our land.
In the name and example of Christ,
AMEN
Dear God Our Father,
In this time of great division and danger, we ask that you help us. Not that we deserve it, but we want to continue to be a beacon of hope and a model of success. This life is a mixed bag and a temporary host. May you allow us to continue being a preservative of the natural entropy of order.
Lord, the churches are dark in the old land and selfishness reigns. Intellectual imperialism tickles the ears but salve no wounds. Our churches are flickering. Please revive us- give us soft hearts of love and united hearts of courage. We wimper in our prosperity and hoard our greed.
Be gracious to our leaders and heal our land.
In the name and example of Christ,
AMEN
Sunday, July 03, 2005
Press ON
Hosea 6:"1 "Come, let us return to the LORD! He has torn us in pieces; now he will heal us. He has injured us; now he will bandage our wounds. 2 In just a short time, he will restore us so we can live in his presence. 3 Oh, that we might know the LORD! Let us press on to know him!"
I watched the movie, Seabiscuit, again last night- it is a stirring inspiration to press on. When times are tough-just keep digging, clawing, and be patient- good days are ahead. When we are struggling, we learn to lean harder on Him - we become more dependent on HIm, we learn that He is all we need.
Solomon felt unable to carry out his tasks- so he went to the Lord and asked for wisdom- God rewarded that pursuit- we need to press on- the NT tells us to press on toward the high calling of God in Christ.
Press on to God
I watched the movie, Seabiscuit, again last night- it is a stirring inspiration to press on. When times are tough-just keep digging, clawing, and be patient- good days are ahead. When we are struggling, we learn to lean harder on Him - we become more dependent on HIm, we learn that He is all we need.
Solomon felt unable to carry out his tasks- so he went to the Lord and asked for wisdom- God rewarded that pursuit- we need to press on- the NT tells us to press on toward the high calling of God in Christ.
Press on to God
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Magic of Childhood
Mark10:13 One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch them and bless them, but the disciples told them not to bother him. 14 But when Jesus saw what was happening, he was very displeased with his disciples. He said to them, "Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 I assure you, anyone who doesn't have their kind of faith will never get into the Kingdom of God." 16 Then he took the children into his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them"
We have been at an amusement park this week with my wife and girls. I love watching their incredible ecitement and joy! They get so excited they can't sit still. That is the magic of childhood- an excitement about life! They are eager and innocent- they look to me to provide and just enjoy the moments!
One morning, my youngest flew over and hugged me- Thanks Dad!- it made me a mile high!
Father- I just wish I could give You a moment like that!
We have been at an amusement park this week with my wife and girls. I love watching their incredible ecitement and joy! They get so excited they can't sit still. That is the magic of childhood- an excitement about life! They are eager and innocent- they look to me to provide and just enjoy the moments!
One morning, my youngest flew over and hugged me- Thanks Dad!- it made me a mile high!
Father- I just wish I could give You a moment like that!
Thursday, June 23, 2005
REST
Mark 6:31 "Then Jesus said, "Let's get away from the crowds for a while and rest."
We are coming up on a 2 week period in TN called the Dead Period- no contact with players. I will use this time for some needed rest!
Thank you Lord for apace in life- for weariness and renewal!
We are coming up on a 2 week period in TN called the Dead Period- no contact with players. I will use this time for some needed rest!
Thank you Lord for apace in life- for weariness and renewal!
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
"The Moment You Began Praying"
Daniel 9:"17 "O our God, hear your servant's prayer! Listen as I plead. For your own sake, Lord, smile again on your desolate sanctuary. 18 "O my God, listen to me and hear my request. Open your eyes and see our wretchedness. See how your city lies in ruins – for everyone knows that it is yours. We do not ask because we deserve help, but because you are so merciful. 19 "O Lord, hear. O Lord, forgive. O Lord, listen and act! For your own sake, O my God, do not delay, for your people and your city bear your name."
20 I went on praying and confessing my sin and the sins of my people, pleading with the LORD my God for Jerusalem, his holy mountain. 21 As I was praying, Gabriel, whom I had seen in the earlier vision, came swiftly to me at the time of the evening sacrifice. 22 He explained to me, "Daniel, I have come here to give you insight and understanding. 23 The moment you began praying, a command was given. I am here to tell you what it was, for God loves you very much."
What a great passage to encourage prayer!
Daniel's prayer was persistent
Daniel's prayer was penitent
Daniel prayed for God to see,hear,forgive,act- and do it without delay
It was based not on the people deserving this act, but on the good name of God- "Your people bear Your name"
Smile again on us O Lord
20 I went on praying and confessing my sin and the sins of my people, pleading with the LORD my God for Jerusalem, his holy mountain. 21 As I was praying, Gabriel, whom I had seen in the earlier vision, came swiftly to me at the time of the evening sacrifice. 22 He explained to me, "Daniel, I have come here to give you insight and understanding. 23 The moment you began praying, a command was given. I am here to tell you what it was, for God loves you very much."
What a great passage to encourage prayer!
Daniel's prayer was persistent
Daniel's prayer was penitent
Daniel prayed for God to see,hear,forgive,act- and do it without delay
It was based not on the people deserving this act, but on the good name of God- "Your people bear Your name"
Smile again on us O Lord
Monday, June 20, 2005
An Inspirational Song
Man Of The Tombs - Bob Bennett
Man of the tombs
He lives in a place where no one goes
And he tears at himself
And lives with a pain that no one knows
He counts himself dead among the living
He knows no mercy and no forgiving
Deep in the night he's driven to cry out loud
Can you hear him cry out loud?
Man of the tombs
Possessed by an unseen enemy
He breaks every chain
And mistakes his freedom for being free
Shame and shamelessness equally there
Like a random toss of a coin in the air
Man of the tombs, he's driven to cry out loud
Underneath this thing that I've become
A fading memory of flesh and blood
I curse the womb, I bless the grave
I've lost my heart, I cannot be saved
Like those who fear me, I'm afraid
Like those I've hurt, I can feel pain
Naked now before my sin
And these stones that cut against my skin
Some try to touch me, but no one can
For man of the tombs I am
Down at the shoreline
Two sets of footprints meet
One voice is screaming
Other voice begins to speak
In only a moment and only a word
The evil departs like a thundering herd
Man of the tombs, he hears this cry out loud
Underneath this thing that you've become
I see a man of flesh and blood
I give you life beyond the grave
I heal your heart, I come to save
No need to fear, be not afraid
This Man of sorrows knows your pain
I come to take away your sin
And bear it's marks upon My skin
When no one can touch you, still I can
For Son of God I am
Dressed now and seated
Clean in spirit and healthy of mind
Man of the tombs
He begs to follow, but must stay behind
He'll return to has family with stories to tell
Of mercy and madness, of heaven and hell
Man of the tombs, soon he will cry out loud
Underneath this thing that I once was
Now I'm a man of flesh and blood
I have a life beyond the grave
I found my heart, I can now be saved
No need to fear, I am not afraid
This Man of sorrows took my pain
He comes to take away our sin
And bear it's marks upon His skin
I'm telling you this story because
Man of the tombs I was
Man of the tombs
He lives in a place where no one goes
And he tears at himself
And lives with a pain that no one knows
He counts himself dead among the living
He knows no mercy and no forgiving
Deep in the night he's driven to cry out loud
Can you hear him cry out loud?
Man of the tombs
Possessed by an unseen enemy
He breaks every chain
And mistakes his freedom for being free
Shame and shamelessness equally there
Like a random toss of a coin in the air
Man of the tombs, he's driven to cry out loud
Underneath this thing that I've become
A fading memory of flesh and blood
I curse the womb, I bless the grave
I've lost my heart, I cannot be saved
Like those who fear me, I'm afraid
Like those I've hurt, I can feel pain
Naked now before my sin
And these stones that cut against my skin
Some try to touch me, but no one can
For man of the tombs I am
Down at the shoreline
Two sets of footprints meet
One voice is screaming
Other voice begins to speak
In only a moment and only a word
The evil departs like a thundering herd
Man of the tombs, he hears this cry out loud
Underneath this thing that you've become
I see a man of flesh and blood
I give you life beyond the grave
I heal your heart, I come to save
No need to fear, be not afraid
This Man of sorrows knows your pain
I come to take away your sin
And bear it's marks upon My skin
When no one can touch you, still I can
For Son of God I am
Dressed now and seated
Clean in spirit and healthy of mind
Man of the tombs
He begs to follow, but must stay behind
He'll return to has family with stories to tell
Of mercy and madness, of heaven and hell
Man of the tombs, soon he will cry out loud
Underneath this thing that I once was
Now I'm a man of flesh and blood
I have a life beyond the grave
I found my heart, I can now be saved
No need to fear, I am not afraid
This Man of sorrows took my pain
He comes to take away our sin
And bear it's marks upon His skin
I'm telling you this story because
Man of the tombs I was
A Court Day is Set
Daniel 7:9 "9 I watched as thrones were put in place and the Ancient One sat down to judge. His clothing was as white as snow, his hair like whitest wool. He sat on a fiery throne with wheels of blazing fire, 10 and a river of fire flowed from his presence. Millions of angels ministered to him, and a hundred million stood to attend him. Then the court began its session, and the books were opened."
The supernatural world is real and in operation. Our secular society is so blinded by the enlightenment that we ignore the ancient words of truth. God is King and He is preparing to judge the nations. Are we ready?
My only hope is my Advocate- the Lord Jesus will represent me and offer His life as my atonement. He has ransomed me by His blood. I will be declared justified in the heavenly courts because of the power of the authority of my Savior.
Wow- what a glorious salvation!
The supernatural world is real and in operation. Our secular society is so blinded by the enlightenment that we ignore the ancient words of truth. God is King and He is preparing to judge the nations. Are we ready?
My only hope is my Advocate- the Lord Jesus will represent me and offer His life as my atonement. He has ransomed me by His blood. I will be declared justified in the heavenly courts because of the power of the authority of my Savior.
Wow- what a glorious salvation!
Sunday, June 19, 2005
God's Complete Protection and Victory
4 Then the other administrators and princes began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling his affairs, but they couldn't find anything to criticize. He was faithful and honest and always responsible. 5 So they concluded, "Our only chance of finding grounds for accusing Daniel will be in connection with the requirements of his religion."
6 So at last the king gave orders for Daniel to be arrested and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to him, "May your God, whom you worship continually, rescue you."
25 Then King Darius sent this message to the people of every race and nation and language throughout the world: "Peace and prosperity to you! 26 "I decree that everyone throughout my kingdom should tremble with fear before the God of Daniel. For he is the living God, and he will endure forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed, and his rule will never end. 27 He rescues and saves his people; he performs miraculous signs and wonders in the heavens and on earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions." 28 So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
Throughout history, God protects, defends, allows testing, then shows off- all for His glory!
6 So at last the king gave orders for Daniel to be arrested and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to him, "May your God, whom you worship continually, rescue you."
25 Then King Darius sent this message to the people of every race and nation and language throughout the world: "Peace and prosperity to you! 26 "I decree that everyone throughout my kingdom should tremble with fear before the God of Daniel. For he is the living God, and he will endure forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed, and his rule will never end. 27 He rescues and saves his people; he performs miraculous signs and wonders in the heavens and on earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions." 28 So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
Throughout history, God protects, defends, allows testing, then shows off- all for His glory!
Sin, Shame, and Redemption
II Samuel 11:27 b "But the LORD was very displeased with what David had done."
II Samuel 12: "7 Then Nathan said to David, "You are that man! The LORD, the God of Israel, says, 'I anointed you king of Israel and saved you from the power of Saul. 8 I gave you his house and his wives and the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. And if that had not been enough, I would have given you much, much more. 9 Why, then, have you despised the word of the LORD and done this horrible deed? For you have murdered Uriah and stolen his wife. 10 From this time on, the sword will be a constant threat to your family, because you have despised me by taking Uriah's wife to be your own. 11 "'Because of what you have done, I, the LORD, will cause your own household to rebel against you. I will give your wives to another man, and he will go to bed with them in public view. 12 You did it secretly, but I will do this to you openly in the sight of all Israel.'" 13 Then David confessed to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD."Nathan replied, "Yes, but the LORD has forgiven you, and you won't die for this sin. 14 But you have given the enemies of the LORD great opportunity to despise and blaspheme him, so your child will die."
19 But when David saw them whispering, he realized what had happened. "Is the baby dead?" he asked."Yes," they replied. 20 Then David got up from the ground, washed himself, put on lotions, and changed his clothes. Then he went to the Tabernacle and worshiped the LORD. After that, he returned to the palace and ate. 21 His advisers were amazed. "We don't understand you," they told him. "While the baby was still living, you wept and refused to eat. But now that the baby is dead, you have stopped your mourning and are eating again." 22 David replied, "I fasted and wept while the child was alive, for I said, 'Perhaps the LORD will be gracious to me and let the child live.' 23 But why should I fast when he is dead? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him one day, but he cannot return to me."
24 Then David comforted Bathsheba, his wife, and slept with her. She became pregnant and gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon. The LORD loved the child 25 and sent word through Nathan the prophet that his name should be Jedidiah – "beloved of the LORD" – because the LORD loved him."
Sin kills and destroys
Sin has consequences
Disobedience is punished
God's forgiveness is complete
II Samuel 12: "7 Then Nathan said to David, "You are that man! The LORD, the God of Israel, says, 'I anointed you king of Israel and saved you from the power of Saul. 8 I gave you his house and his wives and the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. And if that had not been enough, I would have given you much, much more. 9 Why, then, have you despised the word of the LORD and done this horrible deed? For you have murdered Uriah and stolen his wife. 10 From this time on, the sword will be a constant threat to your family, because you have despised me by taking Uriah's wife to be your own. 11 "'Because of what you have done, I, the LORD, will cause your own household to rebel against you. I will give your wives to another man, and he will go to bed with them in public view. 12 You did it secretly, but I will do this to you openly in the sight of all Israel.'" 13 Then David confessed to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD."Nathan replied, "Yes, but the LORD has forgiven you, and you won't die for this sin. 14 But you have given the enemies of the LORD great opportunity to despise and blaspheme him, so your child will die."
19 But when David saw them whispering, he realized what had happened. "Is the baby dead?" he asked."Yes," they replied. 20 Then David got up from the ground, washed himself, put on lotions, and changed his clothes. Then he went to the Tabernacle and worshiped the LORD. After that, he returned to the palace and ate. 21 His advisers were amazed. "We don't understand you," they told him. "While the baby was still living, you wept and refused to eat. But now that the baby is dead, you have stopped your mourning and are eating again." 22 David replied, "I fasted and wept while the child was alive, for I said, 'Perhaps the LORD will be gracious to me and let the child live.' 23 But why should I fast when he is dead? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him one day, but he cannot return to me."
24 Then David comforted Bathsheba, his wife, and slept with her. She became pregnant and gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon. The LORD loved the child 25 and sent word through Nathan the prophet that his name should be Jedidiah – "beloved of the LORD" – because the LORD loved him."
Sin kills and destroys
Sin has consequences
Disobedience is punished
God's forgiveness is complete
Saturday, June 18, 2005
The Last Few Days of Reading
II Sam 7:11 "'And now the LORD declares that he will build a house for you – a dynasty of kings! 12 For when you die, I will raise up one of your descendants, and I will make his kingdom strong. 13 He is the one who will build a house – a temple – for my name. And I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be his father, and he will be my son. If he sins, I will use other nations to punish him. 15 But my unfailing love will not be taken from him as I took it from Saul, whom I removed before you. 16 Your dynasty and your kingdom will continue for all time before me, and your throne will be secure forever.'"
That passage about Saul and God pulling His spirit from him really shook me up. What a terrible curse- here is a promise to David to not withdraw His spirit from his descendant- an implication that Solomon was spared when he drifted through foreign wives. I hold to this as a promise as a spiritual descendant of David!
This was another example of how the LORD made David victorious wherever he went.II Sam 8:14. Father, I desire Your victory- in all of life!
Daniel 4:37 "Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and glorify and honor the King of heaven. All his acts are just and true, and he is able to humble those who are proud.- God's praise rings out through all of history!
That passage about Saul and God pulling His spirit from him really shook me up. What a terrible curse- here is a promise to David to not withdraw His spirit from his descendant- an implication that Solomon was spared when he drifted through foreign wives. I hold to this as a promise as a spiritual descendant of David!
This was another example of how the LORD made David victorious wherever he went.II Sam 8:14. Father, I desire Your victory- in all of life!
Daniel 4:37 "Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and glorify and honor the King of heaven. All his acts are just and true, and he is able to humble those who are proud.- God's praise rings out through all of history!
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
A Voice of Praise
Daniel 2:"Then Daniel praised the God of heaven, 20 saying, "Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he alone has all wisdom and power. 21 He determines the course of world events; he removes kings and sets others on the throne. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars. 22 He reveals deep and mysterious things and knows what lies hidden in darkness, though he himself is surrounded by light. 23 I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors, for you have given me wisdom and strength."
This morning, I hear many praises to God. My parakeet is chirping to the glory of God. I hear Christian music echoing glory to God. I read Daniel's praise and my heart is stirred.
Thank you My God for mountains of blessings! They are too numerous to count!
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Do it Right
I Sam 26"6 7 So David and Abishai went right into Saul's camp and found him asleep, with his spear stuck in the ground beside his head. Abner and the warriors were lying asleep around him. 8 "God has surely handed your enemy over to you this time!" Abishai whispered to David. "Let me thrust that spear through him. I'll pin him to the ground, and I won't need to strike twice!" 9 "No!" David said. "Don't kill him. For who can remain innocent after attacking the LORD's anointed one? 10 Surely the LORD will strike Saul down someday, or he will die in battle or of old age. 11 But the LORD forbid that I should kill the one he has anointed! But I'll tell you what – we'll take his spear and his jug of water and then get out of here!" 12 So David took the spear and jug of water that were near Saul's head. Then he and Abishai got away without anyone seeing them or even waking up, because the LORD had put Saul's men into a deep sleep.
13 David climbed the hill opposite the camp until he was at a safe distance. 14 Then he shouted down to Abner and Saul, "Wake up, Abner!""Who is it?" Abner demanded. 15 "Well, Abner, you're a great man, aren't you?" David taunted. "Where in all Israel is there anyone as mighty? So why haven't you guarded your master the king when someone came to kill him? 16 This isn't good at all! I swear by the LORD that you and your men deserve to die, because you failed to protect your master, the LORD's anointed! Look around! Where are the king's spear and the jug of water that were beside his head?" 17 Saul recognized David's voice and called out, "Is that you, my son David?"And David replied, "Yes, my lord the king. 18 Why are you chasing me? What have I done? What is my crime? 19 But now let my lord the king listen to his servant. If the LORD has stirred you up against me, then let him accept my offering. But if this is simply a human scheme, then may those involved be cursed by the LORD. For you have driven me from my home, so I can no longer live among the LORD's people and worship as I should. 20 Must I die on foreign soil, far from the presence of the LORD? Why has the king of Israel come out to search for a single flea? Why does he hunt me down like a partridge on the mountains?"
21 Then Saul confessed, "I have sinned. Come back home, my son, and I will no longer try to harm you, for you valued my life today. I have been a fool and very, very wrong." 22 "Here is your spear, O king," David replied. "Let one of your young men come over and get it. 23 The LORD gives his own reward for doing good and for being loyal, and I refused to kill you even when the LORD placed you in my power, for you are the LORD's anointed one. 24 Now may the LORD value my life, even as I have valued yours today. May he rescue me from all my troubles." 25 And Saul said to David, "Blessings on you, my son David. You will do heroic deeds and be a great conqueror." Then David went away, and Saul returned home."
David had remarkable courage- going right into Saul's camp. He had opportunity and a good excuse. He was even getting counsel to do the deed.
But David chose right this time and God blessed him. Saul proclaimed that he would do heroic deeds and have great victories.
Lord- I want to honor You and have great victories for You!
13 David climbed the hill opposite the camp until he was at a safe distance. 14 Then he shouted down to Abner and Saul, "Wake up, Abner!""Who is it?" Abner demanded. 15 "Well, Abner, you're a great man, aren't you?" David taunted. "Where in all Israel is there anyone as mighty? So why haven't you guarded your master the king when someone came to kill him? 16 This isn't good at all! I swear by the LORD that you and your men deserve to die, because you failed to protect your master, the LORD's anointed! Look around! Where are the king's spear and the jug of water that were beside his head?" 17 Saul recognized David's voice and called out, "Is that you, my son David?"And David replied, "Yes, my lord the king. 18 Why are you chasing me? What have I done? What is my crime? 19 But now let my lord the king listen to his servant. If the LORD has stirred you up against me, then let him accept my offering. But if this is simply a human scheme, then may those involved be cursed by the LORD. For you have driven me from my home, so I can no longer live among the LORD's people and worship as I should. 20 Must I die on foreign soil, far from the presence of the LORD? Why has the king of Israel come out to search for a single flea? Why does he hunt me down like a partridge on the mountains?"
21 Then Saul confessed, "I have sinned. Come back home, my son, and I will no longer try to harm you, for you valued my life today. I have been a fool and very, very wrong." 22 "Here is your spear, O king," David replied. "Let one of your young men come over and get it. 23 The LORD gives his own reward for doing good and for being loyal, and I refused to kill you even when the LORD placed you in my power, for you are the LORD's anointed one. 24 Now may the LORD value my life, even as I have valued yours today. May he rescue me from all my troubles." 25 And Saul said to David, "Blessings on you, my son David. You will do heroic deeds and be a great conqueror." Then David went away, and Saul returned home."
David had remarkable courage- going right into Saul's camp. He had opportunity and a good excuse. He was even getting counsel to do the deed.
But David chose right this time and God blessed him. Saul proclaimed that he would do heroic deeds and have great victories.
Lord- I want to honor You and have great victories for You!
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