Some Thoughts...

2010-01-14T08:10:00.001-08:00

A tranquil heart is life to the body, but passion (dissatisfaction, discontent, consuming desire) is rottenness to the bones. Prov14:30

2010-01-10T07:23:00.001-08:00

Don't give God religious rituals (going thru the motions)--serve Him from/with your heart: "do justice, love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God" Mic5:8

2010-01-10T06:56:00.001-08:00

There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise bring healing. Prov12:18 What we say to each other matters (James3)!

2010-01-10T06:47:00.001-08:00

Behold, the eye (for favor, blessing) of the LORD is on those who fear (reverence, awe) Him, on those who hope for His lovingkindness. Ps33:18

2009-12-27T06:55:00.001-08:00

May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ. 2Thess3:5 Our prayer this morning as we head to church!

2009-12-24T08:16:00.001-08:00

the LORD sits as King forever... (He)will give strength to His people...will bless His people with peace. Ps29:11 Jesus, the Prince of Peace (cf Lk1:79 & 2:14)

2009-12-20T07:13:00.001-08:00

Whoever is wise, let him understand... For the ways of the LORD are right, and the righteous will walk in them, but transgressors will stumble in them. Hos14:9

2009-12-17T12:49:00.001-08:00

"Contentment comes as those who belong to Jesus rely on God's powerful presence in the face of life's trials." Jones (cf Phil4:11-13; 2Cor11:23-29; Act16:25)

2009-12-08T07:39:00.001-08:00

Therefore there's now no condemnation for those who are IN Christ Jesus b/c THRU Him the law of the Spirit of life has set me free from the law of sin & death.

2009-12-03T06:54:00.001-08:00

Jesus: "I am the Resurrection and the Life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies..." Funeral for a woman who believed in Him: though dead, she lives!

2009-12-02T06:39:00.001-08:00

Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt & honor the King of heaven, for all His works are true & His ways just, and He is able to humble those who walk in pride.

2009-11-28T06:58:00.001-08:00

You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand the are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11 Treasure God!

2009-11-27T07:38:00.001-08:00

He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him. Dan2:22b This praise after earnestly asking God for help & wisdom. Me: too self-sufficient-ugh!

2009-11-27T07:34:00.001-08:00

He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; He reveals deep and hidden things... Dan9:21b-22a

2009-11-27T07:30:00.001-08:00

Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings... Dan2:20-21a

2009-11-22T07:28:00.001-08:00

So thankful the promised Great Shepherd (Ezek34:11ff; Ps23) has come--resting under the watchful eye of the Lord & Savior Jesus Christ (Matt9 esp35-38; John10)

2009-11-17T08:01:00.001-08:00

Matt chp5-7 the Gospel-driven life: people saved & being changed by Jesus' transforming power & used as instruments in His hands in other's lives for His glory!

2009-11-16T08:09:00.001-08:00

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Pr9:10 Chap1-9: parent's manual, emphasis on awe of God!

2009-11-16T08:04:00.001-08:00

The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverted mouth, I hate. Pr8:11

2009-11-16T07:58:00.001-08:00

Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones. Pr3:7-8 Shalom's affects

2009-11-16T07:51:00.001-08:00

If you pursue God-->to know His wisdom & ways, "then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God." Pr2:5 ...and reap blessings!

2009-11-16T07:47:00.001-08:00

"Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD..." (Prov1:29) they will face the sad consequences of rejecting God.

2009-11-16T07:43:00.001-08:00

The fear of the LORD is the beginning (correct starting place and course for finding true) knowledge; fools despise (God's) wisdom and instruction. Prov1:7

2009-11-14T08:29:00.001-08:00

The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, that one may avoid the snares of death. Pr14:27 "...may..." means we have to go & drink deeply--responding daily!

2009-11-14T08:26:00.001-08:00

In the fear (reverence, awe, trembling) of the LORD there is strong confidence (wow-opposite of expected result), and His children will have refuge. Pr14:26

2009-11-14T08:22:00.001-08:00

A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is arrogant and careless. Prov14:16 In what areas of my life am I too flippant towards evil? hmmm...

2009-11-14T08:18:00.001-08:00

The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish tears it down with her own hands. Prov14:1 Thank You, LORD, for Renee: a wise, godly woman--17+yrs of building!

2009-11-10T07:06:00.001-08:00

Do not let kindness and truth leave you (both critical); bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Prov3:3 Godly character & actions.

2009-11-10T06:56:00.001-08:00

For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O LORD, You surround him with favor as with a shield. Ps5:12

The Call of Grace

2009-11-09T08:40:00.000-08:00

Titus 2:11-14 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people [salvation]...
...training us [sanctification/change/growth]:
- to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions (cf Eph 4:22 put off, reject), and
- to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age (cf Eph 4:24 put on, pursue)

Grace is a call to transformation--a call to work.
No, not talking about salvation: which is a free gift, an undeserved gift (cf Eph 2:8-9). We can't earn salvation, nor more of His love. We enjoy & rest in His grace.
However, as we see in v11, grace is also a call to work--to enter into the transformation process, to fight for change (yes, by the power of the Holy Spirit...yet, "cooperating" with Him).

...waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own posession who are zealous for good works [service, our job].

Our Hope: our God & Savior who died for us!
...redeems us (pays the ransom and releases the captives)
...purifies us
...to be His own people, in His family, adopted
...to be His eager, joyful, working-hard-at-serving servants--doing His good works (cf Eph 2:10)

2009-11-04T06:48:00.001-08:00

...behold, a voice out of the heavens said, "This is My Son, the Beloved, in whom I am well-pleased." Mt3:17 The Divine announcement of the great Messiah-King!

2009-11-04T06:43:00.001-08:00

"...gather up His wheat into the barn but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." Mt3:12 We "like" the Jesus of Mt2, but what about the KING (chp3)?!

2009-11-04T06:38:00.001-08:00

"His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear His threshing floor; and He will ..." Matt3:12 A different Jesus is being announced...

2009-11-04T06:30:00.001-08:00

"...and they (the magi) fell to the ground and they worshipped Him (Jesus, age2)." Matt2:11 Imagine that scene--and--see clearly that Jesus is being worshipped!

2009-11-03T06:52:00.001-08:00

"For wisdom will enter your heart and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; discretion will guard you, understanding will watch over you..." Pursue God!

2009-11-03T06:48:00.001-08:00

THEN you will discover the knowledge of God... THEN you will discern righteousness and justice and equity and every good course...

2009-11-03T06:46:00.001-08:00

Prov2: IF you pursue God's wisdom...THEN you will discern the fear of the LORD (the right starting point for all knowledge & understanding)...

2009-11-02T07:03:00.001-08:00

Wisdom101: Prov 1: DAILY=dig into bible, seek godly mentors (v1-7); reject the lure of fools (8-19), pursue blessing/wisdom (20-33; esp heed warning of 24-32)

2009-11-01T06:11:00.001-08:00

Saddened at the loss of a great godly woman last week--praying for her family...yet...at peace b/c of her faith in the Lord & Savior Jesus Christ!

2009-10-25T07:52:00.001-07:00

Reflecting on the "depth" of my trust in God: would I quote Rom8:28 if I was in a pit, being hated & betrayed & sold as a slave by my brothers (Joseph Gen37)?!

2009-10-22T08:24:00.001-07:00

"...that through ENDURANCE and through the ENCOURAGEMENT of the Scriptures we might have HOPE." Enduring like the OT saints; encouraged at God's sovereign care!

2009-10-22T08:19:00.001-07:00

"For whatever was written in former days (Gen-Malachi) was written for our instruction..." Romans15:4a Too little learning & teaching from the Hebrew Scriptures

2009-10-18T07:21:00.001-07:00

God's sovereignty, faithfulness to His promises & ability to carry out His plan-->stands out in the story of Jacob&sons (Gen26+)... hope b/c of God, not man!

2009-10-18T06:53:00.001-07:00

Encouraged in a different kind of way this am: reading Gen30-38-->"heroes of Bible" are FLAWED people...God redeems, changes, uses people like these...like me!

2009-10-11T06:58:00.001-07:00

2Cor 1:3-11 A real person's story of how God is in the midst of every & all situations of life-->refining us, giving hope & strength-->so we can help others!

2009-10-08T07:18:00.001-07:00

What striking imagery of what the daily battle in our hearts looks like: "setting up idols in their hearts" Ezek 14:1-8 cf James 4:1-10 Spiritual adultery...

2009-10-05T08:20:00.001-07:00

Enjoying the brilliance of Christ--amazed, along with the crowds, at the depth & authority of His teaching! Matthew chps1-7, esp sermon on the mount (5-7)!

2009-10-05T07:33:00.001-07:00

Endeavoring to be wise, discerning, more godly, fair & caring...therefore: headed to listen & learn from God thru His Word this morning! Proverbs 1:1-7

2009-10-04T07:31:00.001-07:00

Excited for church this morning... reading Ezekiel 1-4-->imagine seeing the "chariot of God" & the glory of the LORD?!! Wanting to be more "heavenly-minded"!

2009-10-02T07:06:00.001-07:00

"Don't let your hearts be troubled..." Walking with a grieving family (funeral arr's). John 14:1-6 brings comfort & hope! Our Good Shepherd cares: Ps23; Jn 15!

2009-10-01T06:46:00.001-07:00

For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 Wisdom/"guard rails" for every choice!

2009-10-01T06:43:00.001-07:00

The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear (awe, revere) God and keep His commandments, because this appplies to every person.

2009-09-29T08:08:00.001-07:00

...the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Titus 2:11-13 Thankful to God for His grace to pursue Him & live for Him!

2009-09-29T08:03:00.001-07:00

...and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope...

2009-09-29T08:01:00.001-07:00

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions...

2009-09-27T07:18:00.001-07:00

Wanting to be an ambassador who not only carries the Message of Christ, but increasingly to be "evidence" of His real, life-changing power & grace! 2Cor 5:14-21

2009-09-25T09:57:00.005-07:00

Favorite 'perspective passage': Isaiah 6:1-9 God: awesome holiness & power; man in his right place; God's forgiveness, call, sending; man's real significance!

2009-09-25T09:57:00.003-07:00

Perspective cont'd: what kind of love undergirds? John 3:16-17 & 10:1-18 & chp14. Guidance? His Presence: Matt28:19-20 // Word: Psalm19, 2Tim3:14-17, 2Pet1:3-4

2009-09-25T09:57:00.001-07:00

Perspective cont'd: our lives among the billions--Psalm 139, Matthew 6 & 18:1-14...His Sovereign care over all His own, even the littlest...me: secure in Him!

2009-09-25T09:56:00.001-07:00

Perspective cont'd: back to our day...seeing the int'l news: Jeremiah 10, Psalm 2, Daniel 3...despite the chaos-->He is still the Sovereign King. Me=relief!

2009-09-25T09:37:00.001-07:00

Favorite 'perspective passage': Isaiah 6:1-9 God: awesome holiness & power; man in his right place; God's forgiveness, call, sending; man's real significance!

2009-09-25T09:32:00.001-07:00

Perspective cont'd: purpose? Matt5:13-16 & 28:18-20, 2Cor5:14-21...1Cor10:31 living for His glory & enjoying the hope, help and blessing of walking with God!

2009-09-25T09:28:00.001-07:00

Perspective cont'd: what kind of love undergirds? John 3:16-17 & 10:1-18 & chp14. Guidance? His Presence: Matt28:19-20 // Word: Psalm19, 2Tim3:14-17, 2Pet1:3-4

2009-09-25T09:21:00.001-07:00

Perspective cont'd: our lives among the billions--Psalm 139, Matthew 6 & 18:1-14...His Sovereign care over all His own, even the littlest...me: secure in Him!

2009-09-25T09:14:00.001-07:00

Perspective cont'd: back to our day...seeing the int'l news: Jeremiah 10, Psalm 2, Daniel 3...despite the chaos-->He is still the Sovereign King. Me=relief!

2009-09-25T09:11:00.001-07:00

Perspective for each day: Isaiah40 to draw me to the ends of the universe: God's power, bigness, transcendence--all awe, fear, glory to Him!

2009-09-25T08:33:00.001-07:00

"...moreover, that every man who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor--it is the gift of God." Eccl 3:12-13 Practical wisdom: content IN & thanks TO God!

2009-09-25T08:30:00.001-07:00

"I know that there is nothing better for them (man) to rejoice and to do good in one's lifetime..."

2009-09-23T08:27:00.001-07:00

This is your due (awe, worship). Among all the wise men of the nations and in all their kingdoms, there is none like You! Jeremiah 10:6-7

2009-09-23T08:26:00.001-07:00

No one is like You, O LORD; You are great and Your Name is mighty in ppower. Who should not revere (fear, awe) You, O King of the nations?

2009-09-22T06:43:00.001-07:00

Every word of God is tested (proven, sure, right); He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Prov30:5

2009-09-21T06:54:00.001-07:00

The fear of man ("what will people say...?") brings a snare (trap), but he who trusts in the LORD (flowing from fear/awe of God) will be exalted. Prov29:25

2009-09-21T06:51:00.001-07:00

Correct your son, and he will give you comfort; he will also delight your soul. Prov29:17

2009-09-21T06:48:00.001-07:00

The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother. Prov29:15

2009-09-20T07:41:00.001-07:00

we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 2Corinthians 5:17-21 The love of Christ compels us (v14) to pursue Him & bring His Message!

2009-09-20T07:35:00.001-07:00

and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us;

2009-09-20T07:32:00.001-07:00

...and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was, in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them,

2009-09-20T07:28:00.001-07:00

Now all these things (becoming a new creation through belief in Jesus the Messiah) are from God who reconciled us to Himself through Christ (Jesus)...

2009-09-19T08:03:00.001-07:00

Don't be jealous of sinners, instead always fear the LORD. Proverbs 23:17

2009-09-19T07:59:00.001-07:00

"To love God is to fear Him and to live constantly in awe of Him, which is undiluted reverence to a perfect, mighty and righteous God." Robertson BforPeace

2009-09-17T08:25:00.001-07:00

...that Jesus Christ (Messiah) is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11 All will bow & confess: critical question->when? Ater death=too late

2009-09-17T08:21:00.001-07:00

...of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess...

2009-09-17T08:19:00.001-07:00

God also has highly exalted Him (Jesus) and given Him the Name which is above every name, that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow (submission, awe)...

2009-09-16T07:59:00.001-07:00

John19:38-40 Nicodemus understands. Joins another Sanhedrin member (2 witnesses from the Council) to gather Jesus' body. Enjoying the many testimonies in John.

2009-09-16T07:49:00.001-07:00

John3: chief rabbi Nicodemus misses point--expected Messiah (ie "Righteous Branch" Jer23) had to suffer 1st (atoning sacrifice for sins--Isaiah52:13-53:12).

2009-09-16T07:25:00.001-07:00

"Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?" declares the LORD. Jeremiah 29:23-24 Good reminder: He is Sovereign & knows all (tho' this from a judgment passage).

2009-09-16T07:20:00.001-07:00

"Am I a God who is near," declares the LORD, "and not a God far off? Can a man hide himself in hiding places so I do not see him?" declares the LORD.

2009-09-16T06:43:00.001-07:00

Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. Prov29:20 Not a call to be "P.C."--but to self-control (Jam3; Eph4:29).

2009-09-15T07:07:00.001-07:00

How blessed is the man who fears (God) always, but he who hardens his heart (no humility before God, no repentance nor change) will find calamity. Prov28:14

2009-09-15T07:03:00.001-07:00

He who conceals his transgressions (sins) will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes (stops doing) them will find compassion. Prov28:13 see Eph4:22-24

2009-09-15T06:58:00.001-07:00

Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand all things. Prov28:5 Knowing God makes sense of all life & eternity (see Prov1:7)!

2009-09-15T06:53:00.001-07:00

So when (Jesus) said, "I am He," they (soldiers who came to arrest Him) drew back and fell to the ground. John 18:6 Jesus bowls them over with mere words!

2009-09-14T06:44:00.001-07:00

Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Prov27:17 Thankful for the godly, faithful friends over the years--for their role in 'sharpening' me!

2009-09-13T08:24:00.001-07:00

...for I delight in these things," declares the LORD. Jeremiah 9:23-24 Praying for & pursuing a deeper knowledge of & love for & obedience to the LORD!

2009-09-13T08:20:00.001-07:00

...boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who excercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on the earth...

2009-09-13T08:16:00.001-07:00

Thus says the LORD, "Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, nor the mighty man boast of his might, nor a rich man of his riches, but let him who boasts ...

2009-09-12T06:30:00.001-07:00

When overwhelmed or things aren't making sense, join Job in pure trust in God: "I know You can do all things and no purpose of Yours can be thwarted." Job 42:1

2009-09-09T07:14:00.001-07:00

Ps103:12 ...as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.

2009-09-09T07:13:00.001-07:00

Ps103:10b-11 ...or repay us according to our iniquities (sins). For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him.

2009-09-09T07:11:00.001-07:00

Ps103:9-10a He will not always accuse, nor will He harbor His anger forever; He does not treat us as our sins deserve (mercy)...