At the sound of His Name.....
It is true.....believe it or not.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Sunday, April 29, 2007
The Gate... Page 102
This passage had more....this is a short piece of it....I love the analogy!
"Two lilies growing side by side share the same nature and are much alike - yet entirely different. Each one unfolds its leaves and extends its flowers toward heaven in a way no other lily has ever done before or will again. God saw beauty in creating them similar yet distinctive. So it is with believers; the same Spirit of Christ, but each possessing a unique personality. Of course, humans have the liberty to reject His plan and fashion our own identity and destiny. Or like the lily, we can glorify Him by lifting our heads and reflecting His beauty."
"Two lilies growing side by side share the same nature and are much alike - yet entirely different. Each one unfolds its leaves and extends its flowers toward heaven in a way no other lily has ever done before or will again. God saw beauty in creating them similar yet distinctive. So it is with believers; the same Spirit of Christ, but each possessing a unique personality. Of course, humans have the liberty to reject His plan and fashion our own identity and destiny. Or like the lily, we can glorify Him by lifting our heads and reflecting His beauty."
Saturday, April 28, 2007
The Gate...Pg.79
"The Christian life I see in the New Testament is simpler than that,....It's like stepping through a gate and finding oneself walking along an entirely new path, one of quiet faith in God. I want to taste it, touch it, live it. Indeed, to radiate the very love of Jesus."
"Yes, and you can quote the church fathers eloquently, sir, but each one of us needs to hear Jesus' voice for ourselves and to follow Him with our heart. I'm afraid that hasn't been my experience in recent years. And I need to change that."
"Yes, and you can quote the church fathers eloquently, sir, but each one of us needs to hear Jesus' voice for ourselves and to follow Him with our heart. I'm afraid that hasn't been my experience in recent years. And I need to change that."
Friday, April 27, 2007
The Gate.....pg 72
"In this world people are running in every direction, a sure sign they're searching for something to satisfy the emptiness they feel. On the other hand, when we, as God's children, gather in a circle, like today, we're showing that we've found something. Only that something is a Someone. We have found Jesus, the Lamb of God, the source of the abundant life."
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
From The Gate Seldom Found
by Raymond Reid
As a man....named Alistair.....we shall call him Al :) for short began to see Jesus as something different from what he had heard all his life.
"...Like a man healed from lifelong blindness, he began to see portions of the ancient writings in a strange new light. This enlightenment, this new way of seeing swelled from a mere pinhole to an expansive admiration for the humble way Jesus had lived and for the profound wisdom of His parables.........vaguely aware of the intensity of his growing love for Christ. The New Testament church, he realized, as scales of tradition fell from his eyes, had never been about a building, an organization, or an enterprise which, of late, he believed St. Patrick's (his church) was fast becoming."
Yes, I know that experience.
As a man....named Alistair.....we shall call him Al :) for short began to see Jesus as something different from what he had heard all his life.
"...Like a man healed from lifelong blindness, he began to see portions of the ancient writings in a strange new light. This enlightenment, this new way of seeing swelled from a mere pinhole to an expansive admiration for the humble way Jesus had lived and for the profound wisdom of His parables.........vaguely aware of the intensity of his growing love for Christ. The New Testament church, he realized, as scales of tradition fell from his eyes, had never been about a building, an organization, or an enterprise which, of late, he believed St. Patrick's (his church) was fast becoming."
Yes, I know that experience.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Harmony in Him
Acts 4:32-34b
"And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. For there was not a needy person among them...."
Like Paul at the Grace Project says....everything you'll ever see in the world is about keeping us (believers), apart. We are incomplete without Jesus, and also incomplete without each other.
I get that. Because when He died, we died. When He rose, we rose. We are together seated in the heavenlies with Him. Union in Christ in all things.
"And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. For there was not a needy person among them...."
Like Paul at the Grace Project says....everything you'll ever see in the world is about keeping us (believers), apart. We are incomplete without Jesus, and also incomplete without each other.
I get that. Because when He died, we died. When He rose, we rose. We are together seated in the heavenlies with Him. Union in Christ in all things.
Faithful Father - Brian Doerksen
Never Changing - Always Faithful
(some of the lyrics and spelling is incorrect...you know how much that can make me crazy....just close your eyes and listen.....one of my favourite songs and artists).
(some of the lyrics and spelling is incorrect...you know how much that can make me crazy....just close your eyes and listen.....one of my favourite songs and artists).
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Old Wounds, New Life
April 09, 1957
A very good year. This saint of God was born. Other less celebrated things happened, like.......
It was the year Sputnik I and II were launched.
It was the year schools in Little Rock Arkansas were forcibly integrated.
Eisenhower was starting his second term as US President.
Elvis was doing his thing.
The Cold War was in full swing.
The 57 Chevy was the car of choice.
Joe McCarthy(held Senate Communism hearings) died, as did Laura Ingalls Wilder (Little House on the Prairie author).
The country of Ghana won its independence.
The country of Malaya attained sovereignty.
Hank Aaron was the National League's most valuable player.
The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) was organized.
Richfield Oil established Alaska's first commercially viable oil production on the Swanson River.
Steve Allen was the host of "The Tonight Show."
The Teamsters Union was expelled from the AFL-CIO due to charges of corruption.
"West Side Story" opened on Broadway.
The International Geophysical Year (57 - 58) brought about a great amount of research into the environment.
The International Atomic Energy Agency was established to oversee the development and spread of nuclear technology and materials.
In the Middle East, the Suez Canal was closed due to conflicts.
Fred Astaire and Audrey Hepburn starred in Funny Face.
"I Love Lucy" was in its last year on TV. (Original episodes)
The "European Economic Community" (EEC) was established.
Willy Brandt became mayor of West Berlin.
Humphrey Bogart died.
Daniel Bovet won the Nobel Prize in Medicine for his research into antihistamines.
"Bloom County" cartoonist Berkeley Breathed was born.
Antarctica explorer Richard Byrd died.
Albert Camus won the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Dr. Seuss wrote The Cat in the Hat.
Mao Tse Tung was in power in China
Juan Batista was in control in Cuba.
John Diefenbaker was Prime Minister of Canada.
US Congress passed the Civil Rights Act.
"Papa Doc" Francois Duvalier was elected President of Haiti.
Anthony Eden resigned as Prime Minister of England and was replaced by Harold MacMillan.
Gamal Abdel Nasser was elected President of Egypt.
The first commercial nuclear reactor was opened in Shippingport, PA.
The "Everly Brothers" released their hit single Wake Up Little Susie.
First ascent of Broad Peak (12th highest mountain).
Major league baseballer Jackie Robinson retires.
Wham-O Company produces the first Frisbee.
Ellen Louks Fairclough sworn in as Canada's first woman Cabinet Minister.
John Lennon and Paul McCartney of The Beatles meet for the first time.
First appearance of "In God We Trust" on U.S. paper currency.
Fifty....50....1/2 a century.....my goodness.....where has the time gone. It was a tough one. I have never had a tough birthday to adjust to. This one was. I don't think it is the age. It is the idea of the age. I have nothing but admiration and gratitude for the God that brought me through so much to this point. Amazing.
April 18, 1981
Black Saturday....the day between Good Friday and Easter Monday. The day I became a married woman. The Covenant for me is still intact. This has been a case of great sorrow for me, and a lot of bitterness....He has brought me to the other side of this however.....I think, and after years, I have been able to see that I am not the one in control here.....it is the Father and He has used this for His purpose...I have been forgiven for my sins, past present and future and my Life is in Him. To focus on anything or anyone else is futility. This is a good place to be and even though I revisit the pain of the past, it is best left. God has been faithful to me, from the beginning of my Life in Him. Events, have shaped my earthly life but my identity.....who I am ....to the Father has never changed. He has lavished His love upon me. I am grateful.
Some other interesting things happened this year, like.........
Peter Sutcliffe, the Yorkshire Ripper, is arrested.
Super Bowl XV: The Oakland Raiders defeat the Philadelphia Eagles, 27-10.
A fire at the Las Vegas Hilton hotel-casino kills eight and injures 198.
After 19 years presenting the CBS Evening News, Walter Cronkite signs off for the last time.
President Ronald Reagan is shot in the chest outside a Washington, D.C. hotel by John Hinckley, Jr., family friend of the Vice President.
The first IBM PC is introduced.
Xerox PARC introduces the computer mouse.
Death of Reggae legend Bob Marley.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that five homosexual men in Los Angeles, California, have a rare form of pneumonia seen only in patients with weakened immune systems (these were the first recognized cases of AIDS).
Major League Baseball players begin a 49 day strike over the issue of free-agent compensation.
Lady Diana Spencer marries Charles, Prince of Wales.
First broadcasts by MTV. The first video played was "Video Killed The Radio Star" by the Buggles.
The IBM PC, an early personal computer, is introduced.
The first Friday the 13th event held by motorcyclists in Port Dover, Ontario, Canada.
Enough about me....how has your month been? :)
A very good year. This saint of God was born. Other less celebrated things happened, like.......
It was the year Sputnik I and II were launched.
It was the year schools in Little Rock Arkansas were forcibly integrated.
Eisenhower was starting his second term as US President.
Elvis was doing his thing.
The Cold War was in full swing.
The 57 Chevy was the car of choice.
Joe McCarthy(held Senate Communism hearings) died, as did Laura Ingalls Wilder (Little House on the Prairie author).
The country of Ghana won its independence.
The country of Malaya attained sovereignty.
Hank Aaron was the National League's most valuable player.
The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) was organized.
Richfield Oil established Alaska's first commercially viable oil production on the Swanson River.
Steve Allen was the host of "The Tonight Show."
The Teamsters Union was expelled from the AFL-CIO due to charges of corruption.
"West Side Story" opened on Broadway.
The International Geophysical Year (57 - 58) brought about a great amount of research into the environment.
The International Atomic Energy Agency was established to oversee the development and spread of nuclear technology and materials.
In the Middle East, the Suez Canal was closed due to conflicts.
Fred Astaire and Audrey Hepburn starred in Funny Face.
"I Love Lucy" was in its last year on TV. (Original episodes)
The "European Economic Community" (EEC) was established.
Willy Brandt became mayor of West Berlin.
Humphrey Bogart died.
Daniel Bovet won the Nobel Prize in Medicine for his research into antihistamines.
"Bloom County" cartoonist Berkeley Breathed was born.
Antarctica explorer Richard Byrd died.
Albert Camus won the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Dr. Seuss wrote The Cat in the Hat.
Mao Tse Tung was in power in China
Juan Batista was in control in Cuba.
John Diefenbaker was Prime Minister of Canada.
US Congress passed the Civil Rights Act.
"Papa Doc" Francois Duvalier was elected President of Haiti.
Anthony Eden resigned as Prime Minister of England and was replaced by Harold MacMillan.
Gamal Abdel Nasser was elected President of Egypt.
The first commercial nuclear reactor was opened in Shippingport, PA.
The "Everly Brothers" released their hit single Wake Up Little Susie.
First ascent of Broad Peak (12th highest mountain).
Major league baseballer Jackie Robinson retires.
Wham-O Company produces the first Frisbee.
Ellen Louks Fairclough sworn in as Canada's first woman Cabinet Minister.
John Lennon and Paul McCartney of The Beatles meet for the first time.
First appearance of "In God We Trust" on U.S. paper currency.
Fifty....50....1/2 a century.....my goodness.....where has the time gone. It was a tough one. I have never had a tough birthday to adjust to. This one was. I don't think it is the age. It is the idea of the age. I have nothing but admiration and gratitude for the God that brought me through so much to this point. Amazing.
April 18, 1981
Black Saturday....the day between Good Friday and Easter Monday. The day I became a married woman. The Covenant for me is still intact. This has been a case of great sorrow for me, and a lot of bitterness....He has brought me to the other side of this however.....I think, and after years, I have been able to see that I am not the one in control here.....it is the Father and He has used this for His purpose...I have been forgiven for my sins, past present and future and my Life is in Him. To focus on anything or anyone else is futility. This is a good place to be and even though I revisit the pain of the past, it is best left. God has been faithful to me, from the beginning of my Life in Him. Events, have shaped my earthly life but my identity.....who I am ....to the Father has never changed. He has lavished His love upon me. I am grateful.
Some other interesting things happened this year, like.........
Peter Sutcliffe, the Yorkshire Ripper, is arrested.
Super Bowl XV: The Oakland Raiders defeat the Philadelphia Eagles, 27-10.
A fire at the Las Vegas Hilton hotel-casino kills eight and injures 198.
After 19 years presenting the CBS Evening News, Walter Cronkite signs off for the last time.
President Ronald Reagan is shot in the chest outside a Washington, D.C. hotel by John Hinckley, Jr., family friend of the Vice President.
The first IBM PC is introduced.
Xerox PARC introduces the computer mouse.
Death of Reggae legend Bob Marley.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that five homosexual men in Los Angeles, California, have a rare form of pneumonia seen only in patients with weakened immune systems (these were the first recognized cases of AIDS).
Major League Baseball players begin a 49 day strike over the issue of free-agent compensation.
Lady Diana Spencer marries Charles, Prince of Wales.
First broadcasts by MTV. The first video played was "Video Killed The Radio Star" by the Buggles.
The IBM PC, an early personal computer, is introduced.
The first Friday the 13th event held by motorcyclists in Port Dover, Ontario, Canada.
Enough about me....how has your month been? :)
I do believe in saints, I do ..I do...I do......Am I not one?
Tozer's devotional today. I like this one.....but I guess as a believer I know that in Christ I am a saint.....in comparison to the whole protestant, catholic discussion of saints.
Prayer: If God Answers Prayer
So I said: "Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts."
Isaiah 6:5
Why does God answer prayer? Let's not imagine that it's because somebody was good. We Protestants think we don't believe in saints, but we do. We canonize them: we have Saint George Mueller, Saint C.H. Spurgeon, Saint D.L. Moody and Saint A.B. Simpson. We get the idea that God answered prayer for them because they were really good. They would deny that fervently if they were here.
Nobody ever got anything from God on the grounds that he deserved it. Having fallen, man deserves only punishment and death. So if God answers prayer it's because God is good. From His goodness, His lovingkindness, His good-natured benevolence, God does it! That's the source of everything.
The Attributes of God, pp. 46-47
Friday, April 20, 2007
Being Loved Unconditionally
"God's love(unchanging) is not human love(born of need)."
"Man was originally made to live loved."
"God loves us not because of who we are, but because of who He is."
Malcolm Smith
"May the Lord lead your hearts into God's love and Christ's patience."
2 Thessalonians 3:5
"Man was originally made to live loved."
"God loves us not because of who we are, but because of who He is."
Malcolm Smith
"May the Lord lead your hearts into God's love and Christ's patience."
2 Thessalonians 3:5
Tozer Today
from - http://lmi.gospelcom.net
Prayer: Confidence in Him
"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
Hebrews 4:16
You can have this confidence in God, and you can have this respect for His will. Do not expect God to perform miracles for you so you can write books about them. Do not ever be caught asking God to send you toys like that to play around with.
But if you are in trouble and concerned about your situation and willing to be honest with God, you can have confidence in Him. You can go to Him in the merit of His Son, claiming His promises, and He will not let you down. God will help you, and you will find the way of deliverance.God will move heaven and earth for you if you will trust Him.
Faith Beyond Reason, p. 49
Prayer: Confidence in Him
"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
Hebrews 4:16
You can have this confidence in God, and you can have this respect for His will. Do not expect God to perform miracles for you so you can write books about them. Do not ever be caught asking God to send you toys like that to play around with.
But if you are in trouble and concerned about your situation and willing to be honest with God, you can have confidence in Him. You can go to Him in the merit of His Son, claiming His promises, and He will not let you down. God will help you, and you will find the way of deliverance.God will move heaven and earth for you if you will trust Him.
Faith Beyond Reason, p. 49
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Pain
I tend to agree with Elisabeth. I hesitate to agree but I think I know that pain has to come to all of us, and of course everyone's pain is specific to them. What might be a deal and a half to someone is but a sorry inconvenience for someone else, and interestingly enough, God knows those specifics. Whatever the case it can bring us to Him and that is a good thing. I know it brought me to Him. Pain is not always a bad thing. :) Always easier to say that in retrospect. Of course, I know He was the One, the Loving One who drew me in to Himself. Pain may have just been the vehicle.
"I am not a theologian or a scholar, but I am very aware of the fact that pain is necessary to all of us. In my own life, I think I can honestly say that out of the deepest pain has come the strongest conviction of the presence of God and the love of God."
Elisabeth Elliot
"I am not a theologian or a scholar, but I am very aware of the fact that pain is necessary to all of us. In my own life, I think I can honestly say that out of the deepest pain has come the strongest conviction of the presence of God and the love of God."
Elisabeth Elliot
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Colossians 1:16,17
For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions of rulers or authorities - all things have been created through Him and for Him.
He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. (NASB)
He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. (NASB)
For Those Tears I Died
say what you will about the Gaithers.... :) But
I came across this old Gaither video on YouTube and it brought a memory from the past to me.....thought I would share. I was ..hmmm...16 maybe...freshly saved and ready to change the world for God. I somehow coerced my brother and sister to sing this song in our 'church' accompanied by the dear organist and choir director, who ventured far off the traditional and high brow path of religion to allow us to do just that. I don't think my sibs knew the intensity of what this song meant to me and yet I kind of felt everybody had the same kind of 'religion' inside of them that I did ..... I was naive and wrong....but I think about that time and know that God orchestrated that time in my life. My 'church' never spoke of salvation, not in any way that I understood. I had to go outside the church to find Jesus. Interesting eh? This song resonates in my heart a time of innocence and new life....that God used to bring me to this moment .... right now....today, where I see Him more clearly and yet still as my Life, made new in Him.
For Those Tears I Died
You said You'd come and share all my sorrows
You said You'd be there for all my tomorrows
I came so close to sending You away
But just like You promised You came there to stay
I just had to pray
And Jesus said "Come to the water
Stand by my side
I know you are thirsty
You won't be denied
I felt every teardrop
When in darkness you cried
And I strove to remind you
That for those tears I died."
Your goodness so great I can't understand
And dear Lord I know that all this was planned
I know You're here now and always will be
Your love loosened my chains and in You I'm free
But Jesus why me?
Jesus I give You my heart and my soul
I know that without God I'd never be whole
Saviour You opened all the right doors
And I thank You and praise You from earth's humble shores
Take me, I'm Yours
I came across this old Gaither video on YouTube and it brought a memory from the past to me.....thought I would share. I was ..hmmm...16 maybe...freshly saved and ready to change the world for God. I somehow coerced my brother and sister to sing this song in our 'church' accompanied by the dear organist and choir director, who ventured far off the traditional and high brow path of religion to allow us to do just that. I don't think my sibs knew the intensity of what this song meant to me and yet I kind of felt everybody had the same kind of 'religion' inside of them that I did ..... I was naive and wrong....but I think about that time and know that God orchestrated that time in my life. My 'church' never spoke of salvation, not in any way that I understood. I had to go outside the church to find Jesus. Interesting eh? This song resonates in my heart a time of innocence and new life....that God used to bring me to this moment .... right now....today, where I see Him more clearly and yet still as my Life, made new in Him.
For Those Tears I Died
You said You'd come and share all my sorrows
You said You'd be there for all my tomorrows
I came so close to sending You away
But just like You promised You came there to stay
I just had to pray
And Jesus said "Come to the water
Stand by my side
I know you are thirsty
You won't be denied
I felt every teardrop
When in darkness you cried
And I strove to remind you
That for those tears I died."
Your goodness so great I can't understand
And dear Lord I know that all this was planned
I know You're here now and always will be
Your love loosened my chains and in You I'm free
But Jesus why me?
Jesus I give You my heart and my soul
I know that without God I'd never be whole
Saviour You opened all the right doors
And I thank You and praise You from earth's humble shores
Take me, I'm Yours
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
The Anchor Holds
Even today, the sun is shining and life goes on....but not for some. May God give comfort to those who are mourning today.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Musings on a Monday
I met with walkingchurch yesterday morning, and during our short (?) walk through the woods, I was able to share and be shared with by a sister in Christ about this Life we live that is Christ. About the incredible Love that He has for each one of us. A real blessing. A real joy for me. I love to connect with the Church in this manner even though it is difficult at times to do just this. It is so much easier in a lot of ways to go to my 'church', or the 'church' that my daughter's attend. Easier in a lot of ways....arranging everyone's schedule, and not having to have that alarm set so early :). I don't have to connect there, I don't have to open myself up at all, I can just listen ... be entertained.... be numb at times..... just go ..... and then go back home. Easy. But, I am having a harder time doing this of late. I want the more, so desperately.
I am reading a book, called The Indwelling Life of Christ, by Major W. Ian Thomas, about how, "....there are so many things that can detract us from the sheer simplicity which is in Christ, the centrality of a Person, the Lord Jesus Himself, in residence within our redeemed humanity..." In 2 Corinthians 11:3, Paul speaks to us who know Christ, about this very thing. This is the one thing. In everything we go through in this life..... this is the thing. I love to read these books that are written by God's Children, eternal Truth by Saints of eternity.
Sharing this first couple of paragraph's of the introduction.
"To be entirely honest, I know of nothing quite so boring as Christianity without Christ.
Countless people have stopped going to a place of worship simply because they are sick of going through the motions of a dead religion. They are tired of trying to start a car on an empty tank. What a pity that there are not more people around to show them that Jesus Christ is alive.
I know of nothing so utterly exciting as being a Christian, sharing the very Life of Jesus Christ on earth right here and now, being caught up with Him into the relentless, invincible purposes of the almighty God, and having available to us all the limitless resources of Deity for accomplishing those purposes.
Can you imagine anything more exciting than that?"
The Major apparently has been sharing this message for at least 60 years and more, because I believe this was referenced a few years ago. The man was born in 1914. This Life, that is in Christ, and He in us.....not a new concept by any means. Look at Madame Guyon (1600's)!! Look at T. Austin Sparks (1888-1971). So many more of the great writers to read. Look at Paul's writings in the New Testament!! Talk to the Lord, He will reveal His Truth to you. It is a joy-filled and a blessed Life. Not always happy...in fact much sadness can fill this life and you can FEEL unblessed, but the Truth be told, written about, spoken about and revealed by Him, alone.....It is joy, pure joy filled with His perfect love for each one of us hearing with open hearts. Meeting my like or unliked minded brothers and sisters in Christ has been wonderful and it thrills my soul. Maybe the thrill is seeing Jesus, Alive and so multi-faceted in the lives of those who know Him.
As the Major summarizes Jesus' prayer to His Father in John 17:21-23 as: The world will know and the world will believe that You, the Father, have sent Me when My followers are in Us as I am in Thee, Father, and I am in them as Thou art in Me!"
"He ends his book, .... The indwelling Life of Christ - that is the truth that sets us free!"
I am reading a book, called The Indwelling Life of Christ, by Major W. Ian Thomas, about how, "....there are so many things that can detract us from the sheer simplicity which is in Christ, the centrality of a Person, the Lord Jesus Himself, in residence within our redeemed humanity..." In 2 Corinthians 11:3, Paul speaks to us who know Christ, about this very thing. This is the one thing. In everything we go through in this life..... this is the thing. I love to read these books that are written by God's Children, eternal Truth by Saints of eternity.
Sharing this first couple of paragraph's of the introduction.
"To be entirely honest, I know of nothing quite so boring as Christianity without Christ.
Countless people have stopped going to a place of worship simply because they are sick of going through the motions of a dead religion. They are tired of trying to start a car on an empty tank. What a pity that there are not more people around to show them that Jesus Christ is alive.
I know of nothing so utterly exciting as being a Christian, sharing the very Life of Jesus Christ on earth right here and now, being caught up with Him into the relentless, invincible purposes of the almighty God, and having available to us all the limitless resources of Deity for accomplishing those purposes.
Can you imagine anything more exciting than that?"
The Major apparently has been sharing this message for at least 60 years and more, because I believe this was referenced a few years ago. The man was born in 1914. This Life, that is in Christ, and He in us.....not a new concept by any means. Look at Madame Guyon (1600's)!! Look at T. Austin Sparks (1888-1971). So many more of the great writers to read. Look at Paul's writings in the New Testament!! Talk to the Lord, He will reveal His Truth to you. It is a joy-filled and a blessed Life. Not always happy...in fact much sadness can fill this life and you can FEEL unblessed, but the Truth be told, written about, spoken about and revealed by Him, alone.....It is joy, pure joy filled with His perfect love for each one of us hearing with open hearts. Meeting my like or unliked minded brothers and sisters in Christ has been wonderful and it thrills my soul. Maybe the thrill is seeing Jesus, Alive and so multi-faceted in the lives of those who know Him.
As the Major summarizes Jesus' prayer to His Father in John 17:21-23 as: The world will know and the world will believe that You, the Father, have sent Me when My followers are in Us as I am in Thee, Father, and I am in them as Thou art in Me!"
"He ends his book, .... The indwelling Life of Christ - that is the truth that sets us free!"
Saturday, April 14, 2007
From Tozer
Today's devotional "spoke" to me very quietly but very profoundly.
Now the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel answered, "Speak, for Your servant hears." --1 Samuel 3:10
Lord, teach me to listen. The times are noisy and my ears are weary with the thousand raucous sounds which continuously assault them. Give me the spirit of the boy Samuel when he said to Thee, "Speak, for thy servant heareth." Let me hear Thee speaking in my heart. Let me get used to the sound of Thy voice, that its tones may be familiar when the sounds of earth die away and the only sound will be the music of Thy speaking voice. Amen. The Pursuit of God, pp. 82-83
Now the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel answered, "Speak, for Your servant hears." --1 Samuel 3:10
Lord, teach me to listen. The times are noisy and my ears are weary with the thousand raucous sounds which continuously assault them. Give me the spirit of the boy Samuel when he said to Thee, "Speak, for thy servant heareth." Let me hear Thee speaking in my heart. Let me get used to the sound of Thy voice, that its tones may be familiar when the sounds of earth die away and the only sound will be the music of Thy speaking voice. Amen. The Pursuit of God, pp. 82-83
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Peace
I like this video. From the beginning it gives me a sense of calm. Maybe it is the tea.:)
Some days I feel like this....life is busy....phones are ringing....traffic is noisy.....stuff is going on all around me.....and yet this overwhelming peace.....in the midst....takes me aback......I am not present in this earthly realm....I am in His Presence in the heavenly realm. Peace.
Some days I feel like this....life is busy....phones are ringing....traffic is noisy.....stuff is going on all around me.....and yet this overwhelming peace.....in the midst....takes me aback......I am not present in this earthly realm....I am in His Presence in the heavenly realm. Peace.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Judging Others?
Seeing beyond....with the eyes of Christ as well.
T. W. Hunt from The Mind of Christ
"This is why Christians should not judge other Christians. We have no way of knowing exactly how God evaluates us. It is possible that finally, under God, we will see some seemingly successful Christians as pygmies. The opposite is also true."
John Paul Jackson from Breaking Free of Rejection
His test to discover if rejection is empowering your life.
1. Do I anticipate or elicit a negative response from others?
2. When questioned, do I become agitated or angry?
3. Do I need to be considered an expert on almost everything?
4. Am I known for being argumentative?
5. Do I believe that I am on a higher spiritual plane and that my opinions should be favored above others' opinions?
6. Do I experience marked mood swings?
7. Do I do things merely to gain the acceptance or attention of others?
8. Have people told me that I am overly sensitive?
9. Is my mood often dictated by the moods of those around me?
10. Do I overvalue the positive evaluation of others?
11. Do I expect to be overlooked? Do I require special encouragement to participate in anything?
12. Do leaders consider me inconsistent or unreliable?
13. Do I seldom attend a Bible study, social event, party, or blend in with others, because I see myself as different?
14. Do I measure my personal value by the amount of spiritual insight I have?
The author suggests answering "yes" to any of these questions may reveal some roots of rejection in your life.
My thoughts from me
Knowing your identity in Christ....who you are, what He has said in His Word and by His Spirit helps you get through the muck of rejection in your life. If you never have been or felt rejected ..... I think you lie. My opinion. People will always fail you. Get that in your head. Then get past it. He is perfect in everything and He will not fail you. He will not reject you. He will always see you for who you are, not for what you have or have not done. His Love is given freely....not as the world gives. He said it, He has shown me this and it will never be any different. How can one live without this realization is beyond me. The breaking, the woundings, the pain, life, right?....how else can one live but in the Truth. It is beyond my comprehension.
T. W. Hunt from The Mind of Christ
"This is why Christians should not judge other Christians. We have no way of knowing exactly how God evaluates us. It is possible that finally, under God, we will see some seemingly successful Christians as pygmies. The opposite is also true."
John Paul Jackson from Breaking Free of Rejection
His test to discover if rejection is empowering your life.
1. Do I anticipate or elicit a negative response from others?
2. When questioned, do I become agitated or angry?
3. Do I need to be considered an expert on almost everything?
4. Am I known for being argumentative?
5. Do I believe that I am on a higher spiritual plane and that my opinions should be favored above others' opinions?
6. Do I experience marked mood swings?
7. Do I do things merely to gain the acceptance or attention of others?
8. Have people told me that I am overly sensitive?
9. Is my mood often dictated by the moods of those around me?
10. Do I overvalue the positive evaluation of others?
11. Do I expect to be overlooked? Do I require special encouragement to participate in anything?
12. Do leaders consider me inconsistent or unreliable?
13. Do I seldom attend a Bible study, social event, party, or blend in with others, because I see myself as different?
14. Do I measure my personal value by the amount of spiritual insight I have?
The author suggests answering "yes" to any of these questions may reveal some roots of rejection in your life.
My thoughts from me
Knowing your identity in Christ....who you are, what He has said in His Word and by His Spirit helps you get through the muck of rejection in your life. If you never have been or felt rejected ..... I think you lie. My opinion. People will always fail you. Get that in your head. Then get past it. He is perfect in everything and He will not fail you. He will not reject you. He will always see you for who you are, not for what you have or have not done. His Love is given freely....not as the world gives. He said it, He has shown me this and it will never be any different. How can one live without this realization is beyond me. The breaking, the woundings, the pain, life, right?....how else can one live but in the Truth. It is beyond my comprehension.
Wow!
There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears.
Philippians 1:6, The Message
Philippians 1:6, The Message
Monday, April 09, 2007
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Friday, April 06, 2007
Second Free Hug Video
I see there are more than one of these floating around. This one makes me happy as well.
The Events (NASB)
Pilate Seeks Jesus' Release
13 Pilate summoned the chief priests and the rulers and the people,
14 and said to them, "You brought this man to me as one who incites the people to rebellion, and behold, having examined Him before you, I have found no guilt in this man regarding the charges which you make against Him.
15 "No, nor has Herod, for he sent Him back to us; and behold, nothing deserving death has been done by Him.
16 "Therefore I will punish Him and release Him."
17 Now he was obliged to release to them at the feast one prisoner.
18 But they cried out all together, saying, "Away with this man, and release for us Barabbas!"
19 (He was one who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection made in the city, and for murder.)
20 Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again,
21 but they kept on calling out, saying, "Crucify, crucify Him!"
22 And he said to them the third time, "Why, what evil has this man done? I have found in Him no guilt demanding death; therefore I will punish Him and release Him."
23 But they were insistent, with loud voices asking that He be crucified. And their voices began to prevail.
24 And Pilate pronounced sentence that their demand be granted.
25 And he released the man they were asking for who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, but he delivered Jesus to their will.
Simon Bears the Cross
26 When they led Him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, coming in from the country, and placed on him the cross to carry behind Jesus.
27 And following Him was a large crowd of the people, and of women who were mourning and lamenting Him.
28 But Jesus turning to them said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, stop weeping for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.
29 "For behold, the days are coming when they will say, 'Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.'
30 "Then they will begin TO SAY TO THE MOUNTAINS, 'FALL ON US,' AND TO THE HILLS, 'COVER US.'
31 "For if they do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?"
32 Two others also, who were criminals, were being led away to be put to death with Him.
The Crucifixion
When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left.
34 But Jesus was saying, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing " And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves.
35 And the people stood by, looking on. And even the rulers were sneering at Him, saying, "He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One."
36 The soldiers also mocked Him, coming up to Him, offering Him sour wine,
37 and saying, "If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!"
38 Now there was also an inscription above Him, "THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS."
39 One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, "Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!"
40 But the other answered, and rebuking him said, "Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?
41 "And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong."
42 And he was saying, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!"
43 And He said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise."
44 It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour,
45 because the sun was obscured; and the veil of the temple was torn in two.
46 And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, "Father, INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT." Having said this, He breathed His last.
47 Now when the centurion saw what had happened, he began praising God, saying, "Certainly this man was innocent."
48 And all the crowds who came together for this spectacle, when they observed what had happened, began to return, beating their breasts.
49 And all His acquaintances and the women who accompanied Him from Galilee were standing at a distance, seeing these things.
13 Pilate summoned the chief priests and the rulers and the people,
14 and said to them, "You brought this man to me as one who incites the people to rebellion, and behold, having examined Him before you, I have found no guilt in this man regarding the charges which you make against Him.
15 "No, nor has Herod, for he sent Him back to us; and behold, nothing deserving death has been done by Him.
16 "Therefore I will punish Him and release Him."
17 Now he was obliged to release to them at the feast one prisoner.
18 But they cried out all together, saying, "Away with this man, and release for us Barabbas!"
19 (He was one who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection made in the city, and for murder.)
20 Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again,
21 but they kept on calling out, saying, "Crucify, crucify Him!"
22 And he said to them the third time, "Why, what evil has this man done? I have found in Him no guilt demanding death; therefore I will punish Him and release Him."
23 But they were insistent, with loud voices asking that He be crucified. And their voices began to prevail.
24 And Pilate pronounced sentence that their demand be granted.
25 And he released the man they were asking for who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, but he delivered Jesus to their will.
Simon Bears the Cross
26 When they led Him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, coming in from the country, and placed on him the cross to carry behind Jesus.
27 And following Him was a large crowd of the people, and of women who were mourning and lamenting Him.
28 But Jesus turning to them said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, stop weeping for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.
29 "For behold, the days are coming when they will say, 'Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.'
30 "Then they will begin TO SAY TO THE MOUNTAINS, 'FALL ON US,' AND TO THE HILLS, 'COVER US.'
31 "For if they do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?"
32 Two others also, who were criminals, were being led away to be put to death with Him.
The Crucifixion
When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left.
34 But Jesus was saying, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing " And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves.
35 And the people stood by, looking on. And even the rulers were sneering at Him, saying, "He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One."
36 The soldiers also mocked Him, coming up to Him, offering Him sour wine,
37 and saying, "If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!"
38 Now there was also an inscription above Him, "THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS."
39 One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, "Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!"
40 But the other answered, and rebuking him said, "Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?
41 "And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong."
42 And he was saying, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!"
43 And He said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise."
44 It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour,
45 because the sun was obscured; and the veil of the temple was torn in two.
46 And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, "Father, INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT." Having said this, He breathed His last.
47 Now when the centurion saw what had happened, he began praising God, saying, "Certainly this man was innocent."
48 And all the crowds who came together for this spectacle, when they observed what had happened, began to return, beating their breasts.
49 And all His acquaintances and the women who accompanied Him from Galilee were standing at a distance, seeing these things.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Good Friday
This material taken from a Biblical Study done by a good friend and kind Shepherd.
We must never minimize the awful cost of our salvation.
Is it possible that some Christians become tired of hearing about the cross?
Paul wrote to the Galatians, “But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ”. (Galatians 6:14).
I am not suggesting that we “stop at the cross”, that we become so fixated with the suffering and death of Christ that we forget the empty tomb.
But there must be that Friday. We must come to the cross before we can come to the empty tomb.
What does that mean, “to come to the cross”? We hear it a lot, don’t we? How often do we hear, “I want to sit at the foot of the cross”?
But what does that really mean? And what are we to do when we come to the foot of the cross?
There is only one thing, my friends. And that is not to ask for comfort. It is not to ask for encouragement. It is not to ask for physical healing, or even worse, to demand healing. In fact, it is not to ask for blessings of any sort.
There is only one thing we are to do at the cross, and that is to repent of our sins, and to ask for His forgiveness. And then it is to thank Him. And to continue thanking Him every day for the rest of our lives for bearing our sins on that cross.
Yes, there will be comfort; there will be encouragement. There will be healing of our hearts and souls. But that is not why we go to the cross.
To think that we can skip the “repentance part” of the meaning of the cross is to mock the very cost of our salvation, to mock the cost of Calvary.
Without the cross, there would be no forgiveness. Without the cross, there would be no salvation. Without the cross, our sins would still be upon us. Without the cross, we would never be reconciled with our God, our Creator. Without the cross, we would be lost forever.
It cost Christ everything to redeem us. Let us never make light of what cost Him so dearly.
I read the story once of a father whose young son was killed in a tragic accident. In grief and enormous anger, he visited his pastor and poured out his heart. The man then said to the pastor, “Where was God when my son died?”
The pastor paused for a moment, and with great wisdom replied, “The same place He was when His Son died”.
“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”
This cry from the cross is for all the lonely and hurt people of the world. It is for the abandoned child . . . the abused child…. the widow. . . the divorcee struggling to make ends meet . . . the mother standing over the bed of her suffering child . . . the father out of work . . . the parents left alone . . . the prisoner in his cell . . . the aged sitting day in and day out alone in convalescent homes . . . wives abandoned by their husbands . . . singles who celebrate their birthdays alone. And yes, it is for the parents struggling to find meaning when a child dies.
This is the word from the cross for you, my friend: No one has ever been as alone as Jesus was on that cross that Friday we call Good Friday.
You will never be forsaken as He was. No cry of your pain can exceed the cry of His pain when God the Father turned his back and looked the other way.
“Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?”
But my friends, in absolute humbleness and gratitude, we can only thank God that it is true.
He was forsaken that you might never be forsaken.
He was abandoned that you might never be abandoned.
He was deserted that you might never be deserted.
We must never minimize the awful cost of our salvation.
Is it possible that some Christians become tired of hearing about the cross?
Paul wrote to the Galatians, “But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ”. (Galatians 6:14).
I am not suggesting that we “stop at the cross”, that we become so fixated with the suffering and death of Christ that we forget the empty tomb.
But there must be that Friday. We must come to the cross before we can come to the empty tomb.
What does that mean, “to come to the cross”? We hear it a lot, don’t we? How often do we hear, “I want to sit at the foot of the cross”?
But what does that really mean? And what are we to do when we come to the foot of the cross?
There is only one thing, my friends. And that is not to ask for comfort. It is not to ask for encouragement. It is not to ask for physical healing, or even worse, to demand healing. In fact, it is not to ask for blessings of any sort.
There is only one thing we are to do at the cross, and that is to repent of our sins, and to ask for His forgiveness. And then it is to thank Him. And to continue thanking Him every day for the rest of our lives for bearing our sins on that cross.
Yes, there will be comfort; there will be encouragement. There will be healing of our hearts and souls. But that is not why we go to the cross.
To think that we can skip the “repentance part” of the meaning of the cross is to mock the very cost of our salvation, to mock the cost of Calvary.
Without the cross, there would be no forgiveness. Without the cross, there would be no salvation. Without the cross, our sins would still be upon us. Without the cross, we would never be reconciled with our God, our Creator. Without the cross, we would be lost forever.
It cost Christ everything to redeem us. Let us never make light of what cost Him so dearly.
I read the story once of a father whose young son was killed in a tragic accident. In grief and enormous anger, he visited his pastor and poured out his heart. The man then said to the pastor, “Where was God when my son died?”
The pastor paused for a moment, and with great wisdom replied, “The same place He was when His Son died”.
“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”
This cry from the cross is for all the lonely and hurt people of the world. It is for the abandoned child . . . the abused child…. the widow. . . the divorcee struggling to make ends meet . . . the mother standing over the bed of her suffering child . . . the father out of work . . . the parents left alone . . . the prisoner in his cell . . . the aged sitting day in and day out alone in convalescent homes . . . wives abandoned by their husbands . . . singles who celebrate their birthdays alone. And yes, it is for the parents struggling to find meaning when a child dies.
This is the word from the cross for you, my friend: No one has ever been as alone as Jesus was on that cross that Friday we call Good Friday.
You will never be forsaken as He was. No cry of your pain can exceed the cry of His pain when God the Father turned his back and looked the other way.
“Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?”
But my friends, in absolute humbleness and gratitude, we can only thank God that it is true.
He was forsaken that you might never be forsaken.
He was abandoned that you might never be abandoned.
He was deserted that you might never be deserted.
Wonderful Merciful Saviour
This movie's images still almost too powerful for me to watch. This song is perfect.
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Anyone "Feel" Like Fishing?
Max Lucado
From Next Door Savior
"We worked hard all night....and we caught nothing." Luke 5:5
Do you have worn, wet, empty nets? Do you know the feeling of a sleepless, fishless night? Of course you do. For what have you been casting?
Solvency? "My debt is an anvil around my neck......"
Faith? "I want to believe, but......"
Healing? "I've ben sick so long....."
A happy marriage? "No matter what I do....."
I've worked hard all night and caught nothing.
You've felt what Peter felt. You've sat where Peter sat. And now Jesus is asking you to go fishing. He knows your nets are empty. He knows your heart is weary. He knows you'd like nothing more than to turn your back on the mess and call it a life. But he urges, "It's not too late to try again." See if Peter's reply won't help you formulate your own.
"You say to put the nets in the water, so I will." Luke 5:5
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