You know things in life have a tendency to distract us; to keep us from focusing.
These things can be shiny new objects; electronics, hobbies, work, business and the
list can go on and on.
I am reading Andy Stanley’s book “Deep and Wide” and in this book he talks about
providential relationship and the importance of community to our spiritual growth
and maturity. He talks about how while we can’t always control these relationships,
that we can make room for these relationships and give them priority.
In a sense we are talking about true community. I am part of several groups and as
such I have found it easy to skip meetings and as you skip one it becomes easier to
miss another and another.
I recently was thinking about this and came upon
Hebrews 10:24-‐25
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and
good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of
doing, but encouraging one another...
I did find this illuminating as the passage encourages us to engage with one another;
to spur or stimulate or provoke or stir each other in an encouraging way so that we
will continue to meet together. So that we will truly become part of each others
lives; growing and maturing spiritually, caring for and loving one another.
May we all consider (truly think and pray about) how we might continue to meet together to
focus on those things that are truly important. May we all experience community as
it is intended.
Grace and Peace!
It has been an amazing 6 weeks; though not in the way you would probably expect.
As I headed into the Christmas holidays I was looking forward to getting some rest,
relaxing, and visiting with family and friends. Well, our plans are definitely not
necessarily His.
So the last 6 weeks have been a journey; I have experienced pain, suffering,
mourning, and grief. However, I have also experienced tremendous peace, that
which could only come from His grace. I have grown closer to family and friends
and seen tremendous blessing during this trying time. And strange as it may seem
my faith has been nothing but encouraged and strengthened. Amen.
I recently started reading the book Glorious Ruin by Tullian Tchividjian and in it he
writes; "the Gospel is not ultimately a defense from pain and suffering; rather, it is
the message of God’s rescue through pain. In fact, it allows us to drop our defenses, to
escape not from pain but from the prison of How and Why to the freedom of Who...the
good news is Jesus Himself, the Man of Sorrows, the crucified God who meets us in our
grief."
I can so relate to that. I think as I heal more and more that I will be able to share
more about this time in my life, but for now it is comforting to know that though I am still in pain, I see such
hope and joy! I see that my true relief is through Christ Himself.
A.W. Pink once stated; "Though poor in this world’s goods, though grieving the loss of
loved ones, though suffering pain of body, though harassed by sin and Satan, though
hated and persecuted by worldlings, whatever be the case and lot of the Christian, it is
both his privilege and duty to rejoice in the Lord."
This day I rejoice in the Lord!
Psalm 106:1
Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love
endures forever!
Amen.
Grace and Peace!
January 1, 2013...Well 2012 is gone and what a year! I have got to tell you that 2012
has been one of the most trying years for me personally; lots of ups and downs. At
times it was grueling and overwhelming. Through it all I believe I grew spiritually
(at times kicking and screaming).
There were personal trials especially during Christmas that stretched me and my family to
the limit. And while that is a story for another day, there was one thing that kept me
focused, that kept me clear, that filled me with peace, hope and joy...the Gospel.
I did a lot of reading during these holidays and came across several thoughts on the
Gospel. The first is from William Tyndale the English scholar and reformer:
“Evangelion’ (that we call the gospel) is a Greek word, and signifieth good, merry, glad
and joyful tidings, that maketh a man’s heart glad, and maketh him sing, dance and
leap for joy.”
It is amazing to see God working during the toughest times and it is amazing to
realize that through it all you are joyful and amazingly at peace. It is the news that
no matter what you are going through that Christ came before you, was willing to
suffer for you, was willing to sacrifice all for you so that no matter the circumstances
of this life there is assurance of eternity with Christ.
I found another thought on the Gospel from Zacharias Ursinus the German reformed
theologian:
“We may define the gospel to be the doctrine which God revealed first in paradise, and
afterwards published by the Patriarchs and Prophets, which He was pleased to
represent by the foreshadows of sacrifices, and the other ceremonies of the law, and
which He has now accomplished through his only begotten Son. This teaches that the
Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, is made unto us wisdom, righteousness,
sanctification, and redemption; which is to say that he is a perfect Mediator, satisfying
for the sins of the human race, restoring righteousness and eternal life to all those who
by a true faith are ingrafted into him, and embrace his benefits.”
As a broken human living in a broken world I tend to do things poorly and recognize
things slowly and understand only after multiple attempts. As such I am so thankful
for a Savior, a perfect Mediator satisfying all my shortcomings, restoring with
amazing grace and love. So 2013, here is my new year’s resolution...I mean prayer.
Psalm 51:10
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Amen!
Grace and Peace!
