Returning from time away, time with the wondrous one and the sweet things. Will post some thoughts in the morn.
"Captivated by the Presence of Jesus Christ" {John14:15-25, Phil3:3,21}
* Diff types of friends: wife, best, regular. Christ.
* In Him, "Trinity dwells in us" in exact same way He dwelt in Holy of Holies
* When last time, you knew He was right there w/ you?
* "Spirit of God opens up for us the presence of God in Jesus Christ"
* Phil3:21
- Transform: change inner wirings
- Conform: change outer appearance to something else
- Power: More than some notion of electricity; it is what/who He is
- Natural earth powerful & awe-inspiring -- He merely spoke that into being
- Stars hang in space -- like child's play to Him
* Lord's pwer surpasses all
* Lord's power sets us free to be conformed to His death
7.20.2006
whatever you have said
Harmless mistake or symptom of larger problems? It would be easy to chalk this up to simple laziness or understandable error. After all, many know Him as Jesus of Nazareth. Wasn't there a film titled such? But make no mistake, my friend, it is more than simple human error.
MSM gets other birthplaces right. They won't claim Abe Lincoln was born in London. They'll do some fact-checking on that one. I could bring out that liar is behind this -- an attempt to cloud all aspects of the truth; an attempt to bring wrong where there is only right. Even I see that as an overreach.
It's simply reflective of modern media feelings toward the Messiah. They don't care. They don't care if they get it right. They don't care if there's a backlash. They don't care whether or not it impacts the message of the story. They simply don't care. And from my point of view, that is far more dangerous and far sadder than because they did it on purpose. Far sadder.
MSM gets other birthplaces right. They won't claim Abe Lincoln was born in London. They'll do some fact-checking on that one. I could bring out that liar is behind this -- an attempt to cloud all aspects of the truth; an attempt to bring wrong where there is only right. Even I see that as an overreach.
It's simply reflective of modern media feelings toward the Messiah. They don't care. They don't care if they get it right. They don't care if there's a backlash. They don't care whether or not it impacts the message of the story. They simply don't care. And from my point of view, that is far more dangerous and far sadder than because they did it on purpose. Far sadder.
7.19.2006
have been forgiven them
Today a Rolling Stone will grace these pages. Thing is, Keith, you are no different than the rest of us. Not in what you do, or what you have, but in what you have done. And in the mindset that perhaps one day, that pardon will come. All charges dropped. That may happen in podunk towns in Southern states. It may happen in Hollywood hills that know your name.
It won't happen before the throne of God.
Unless you have placed your faith in Jesus Christ.
Bible says all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Bible says the wages of sin is death. And the Lord Himself says that no one comes to the Father but through Him. Speeding, drugs, lying, pride -- all sins count the same in His book of justice. And none of them will be dropped without bowed knees before the Messiah.
Looking to be cleared? Looking for complete innocence? Looking to be forgiven? Only requires a willing heart, one that says "Jesus, give me what I cannot earn or buy." Already on its way to you, friend, if you reach out to His hand reaching out.
Will you make that choice today?
It won't happen before the throne of God.
Unless you have placed your faith in Jesus Christ.
Bible says all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Bible says the wages of sin is death. And the Lord Himself says that no one comes to the Father but through Him. Speeding, drugs, lying, pride -- all sins count the same in His book of justice. And none of them will be dropped without bowed knees before the Messiah.
Looking to be cleared? Looking for complete innocence? Looking to be forgiven? Only requires a willing heart, one that says "Jesus, give me what I cannot earn or buy." Already on its way to you, friend, if you reach out to His hand reaching out.
Will you make that choice today?
7.18.2006
at a loss to know of which one
Everyone thinks choices are good to have, options some positive thing. Many ask for the Lord to close doors and make the path clear. I for one am one of those that prefer the Lord to make the choice for me. Walk of faith can encompass choice. I believe sometimes the path widens, and the Lord wants you to pick your direction so long as the mindset is still looking to see which direction He is in. Discussed this issue somewhat the last time I was faced with choices. The whole process is the test of faith.
What if sometimes it is not a test but a reward? Ever think He gives out options as one gives out gifts? Perhaps to the faithful, sometimes He offers choices -- all of which He'll bless -- like a parent with a candy jar. Go ahead. Pick one.
What if sometimes it is not a test but a reward? Ever think He gives out options as one gives out gifts? Perhaps to the faithful, sometimes He offers choices -- all of which He'll bless -- like a parent with a candy jar. Go ahead. Pick one.
7.17.2006
although it was extremely large
If there ever was a phrase meant for a sermon, the one repeated by the Lord in Luke11 is it. Lord says "something greater than" twice in Luke. Same scene repeated in Matt, although Matt adds another. Jonah, Solomon, and the temple. Greater than all of them.
One could view this expression as some sort of arrogance, whether or not fact-based. But I see it as a different use of the word "great". Not great as in importance, but great as in size and scope. Basically, Lord says to us, "You're thinking too small. Think bigger."
Too easy for us to narrowly view things in context with how it relates to our perspective or worldview. Everything about the Lord -- His love, His calling, His power, et al -- everything is occurring at a dimension and size and scope that is far too large for us to comprehend. It's like being at the base of a large sculpture of a man, and focusing on the largeness of the crafted toenail. Lord says, I am bigger than just this little thing.
Step back, crane your head, and look up.
One could view this expression as some sort of arrogance, whether or not fact-based. But I see it as a different use of the word "great". Not great as in importance, but great as in size and scope. Basically, Lord says to us, "You're thinking too small. Think bigger."
Too easy for us to narrowly view things in context with how it relates to our perspective or worldview. Everything about the Lord -- His love, His calling, His power, et al -- everything is occurring at a dimension and size and scope that is far too large for us to comprehend. It's like being at the base of a large sculpture of a man, and focusing on the largeness of the crafted toenail. Lord says, I am bigger than just this little thing.
Step back, crane your head, and look up.
7.16.2006
and concerning righteousness
"The Quest for Integrity" {Matt5:33-37}
* Intro: all struggle w/ it
* "Uprightness of character"
* OT Background
- Forbidden to make false vows {Lev19:12, Num30:2}
- Lord instructs folks to make oaths (thus not sinful)
* Practice of Lord's day
- Hierarchy of oaths
- Full of loopholes
- "Evasion elevated to art form"
* Lord's standard of integrity
- Make no oaths
- Creates separation twixt God and everyday aspects of life
- Creates distinctions in truth
- Followers should have rep for truthfulness
* Application
- Show integrity in words {Prov12:22 -- HATES liars}
- Lord did not prohibit taking legal oaths {Matt26, Pauline letters}
- Show integrity in actions (promises and priorities)
- Others will judge God by our integrity (light & salt)
- Integrity a heart attitude and takes commitment
- When stumble, ask for forgiveness
Missed def for integrity: what you do when no one is watching....
* Intro: all struggle w/ it
* "Uprightness of character"
* OT Background
- Forbidden to make false vows {Lev19:12, Num30:2}
- Lord instructs folks to make oaths (thus not sinful)
* Practice of Lord's day
- Hierarchy of oaths
- Full of loopholes
- "Evasion elevated to art form"
* Lord's standard of integrity
- Make no oaths
- Creates separation twixt God and everyday aspects of life
- Creates distinctions in truth
- Followers should have rep for truthfulness
* Application
- Show integrity in words {Prov12:22 -- HATES liars}
- Lord did not prohibit taking legal oaths {Matt26, Pauline letters}
- Show integrity in actions (promises and priorities)
- Others will judge God by our integrity (light & salt)
- Integrity a heart attitude and takes commitment
- When stumble, ask for forgiveness
Missed def for integrity: what you do when no one is watching....
7.15.2006
as when a lion roars
Wondrous one brought to my attention a v that had escaped my unfortunately shallow poring over of the Word, and that is Luke10:18. Lord says "I was watching Satan fall from Heaven." There may not be a more indescribable v in all the Word. It is a revelation of the Lord's eternal character, there at the beginning of all things. Present at one of the most foundational moments in all of human history. The precursor to the other fall, the one in the garden. Witnessed that event in person. How does one respond to that revelation?
Interesting scene it occurs in, too. The seventy return and gloatingly declare the power they have in the Lord. Lord doesn't rebuke them, really. Points them heavenward; praises the Father Himself as an example.
Done pondering now. Mind cannot wrap itself around the image of the Lord recalling to Himself light and dark and light becoming dark and the beginning of all things leading to the end of all things.
Interesting scene it occurs in, too. The seventy return and gloatingly declare the power they have in the Lord. Lord doesn't rebuke them, really. Points them heavenward; praises the Father Himself as an example.
Done pondering now. Mind cannot wrap itself around the image of the Lord recalling to Himself light and dark and light becoming dark and the beginning of all things leading to the end of all things.
7.14.2006
already put into the heart
Mentioned the other day that lately, filled with inspiration for a few future topics for the flock. One particularly that was fleshing itself out was on true love -- not was what it is, but rather what it is not. And not the hallmark v's found in 1Cor13.
Not going to work out the full outline here. But a few thoughts, love is not temporal. Only Lord loves you forever and ever no matter what the mate tells you. Love is not conditional. Lord loves you despite who you are and what you do. Love is not a mere feeling; it is action -- and His led to trudging up a hill bearing a cross.
Final app will of course be the only one that indicates what love is -- Rom5:8: while yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Not going to work out the full outline here. But a few thoughts, love is not temporal. Only Lord loves you forever and ever no matter what the mate tells you. Love is not conditional. Lord loves you despite who you are and what you do. Love is not a mere feeling; it is action -- and His led to trudging up a hill bearing a cross.
Final app will of course be the only one that indicates what love is -- Rom5:8: while yet sinners, Christ died for us.
7.13.2006
who can listen to it
Spoke yesterday about the concept of willing ears. A heart who seeks to please Lord and seeks to listen will not fail to hear. World always crying out for sign from above, but aren't willing to spend the time cultivating a heart and ear that can hear that sweet whispering.
Lord doesn't always keep a steady tap either. Almost overwhelming recently to feel the torrential downpour that He is imparting. Luke8:16 is the very clear statement of fact on this issue:
"So take care how you listen; for whoever has, to him more shall be given"
Lord is promising a flood if your ears are willing. But before you get too excited, that drenching doesn't come with no strings attached. A willing heart must be tied to those ears, else all for naught. Lord expects some action based on that loosing of His vision. He expects it to bring others closer to the throne, their ears trained to be willing.
Lord doesn't always keep a steady tap either. Almost overwhelming recently to feel the torrential downpour that He is imparting. Luke8:16 is the very clear statement of fact on this issue:
"So take care how you listen; for whoever has, to him more shall be given"
Lord is promising a flood if your ears are willing. But before you get too excited, that drenching doesn't come with no strings attached. A willing heart must be tied to those ears, else all for naught. Lord expects some action based on that loosing of His vision. He expects it to bring others closer to the throne, their ears trained to be willing.
7.12.2006
he will speak for himself
Frightening to appear before the flock with a message from above. Thought of repeating such a performance too overwhelming to consider. Flesh cries out for mercy, and throws up random excuses of little depth. First to come to mind was lack of available topics for future delivery.
In a flash (and documenting so the flesh shuts up): golden calf, true love, faithsteps, Ps23, Moses & the cleft, Roman commander & slave
Fleshing these out might seem the task, but can't even meditate on one for a second, and the sound from above completely fills the ears. Never need doubt inspiration. Point is, one doesn't need inspiration; one needs willing ears.
In a flash (and documenting so the flesh shuts up): golden calf, true love, faithsteps, Ps23, Moses & the cleft, Roman commander & slave
Fleshing these out might seem the task, but can't even meditate on one for a second, and the sound from above completely fills the ears. Never need doubt inspiration. Point is, one doesn't need inspiration; one needs willing ears.
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