Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Thankful
It's hard to believe another year has nearly passed. At this time of thanksgiving and then quickly stepping into Advent, Christ's people should lift a shout of praise and thanksgiving to the true and living God as revealed in Jesus Christ. In a day of confusion and darkness, may we shout with the apostle, "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift (2 Cor.9:15). I don't seem to stray far from that passage these days. My attitude must be one of thanksgiving. The reality around wants to drag out the negative and complaining spirit, but in these times Christ still lives. It's never about who is president or what the stock market is doing. The political scene in Christ's time wasn't anything special. Corruption and immorality were pervasive in both the religious and political world. In the midst of the cloud of uncertainty and sinfulness, Christ's people must be cultivating an attitude of praise and thanksgiving. The Lord commands it, but He also provides ample reason for. Make a list of God's blessings you enjoy each day. Begin with the quiet confidence that it is well with your soul.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
WONDER / Luke 7:36-50
Ravi Zacharias in his excellent book, Recapture The Wonder, states that many things are hard to maintain throughout life, one of these being wonder. As Christ followers it is easy to 'take for granted' amazing grace. It is too easy to get stuck in the ruts and routines, and lose the passion and intensity, the joy and exaltation, the wonder and awe of what God has done and is doing for us in Christ.
In Luke 7, this unnamed woman, who spoke no words, is overwhelmed when she comes into contact with Jesus. She knew who Jesus was/is. Simon didn't. His logic, pride, religious prejudice, separated him from the One who could set his heart free. Her tears flowed from the depth of a heart set free from sin and death. Her extravagance found its motivation in the new life that was alive within her. She didn't care what anyone thought, this One who knew who she was had embraced her with mercy, compassion and grace. What He took, she wanted to get rid of anyway. What He gave she had only dreamed about, cried for, long and sought for. He was the fulfillment of it all. It was wonderful.
In Luke 7, this unnamed woman, who spoke no words, is overwhelmed when she comes into contact with Jesus. She knew who Jesus was/is. Simon didn't. His logic, pride, religious prejudice, separated him from the One who could set his heart free. Her tears flowed from the depth of a heart set free from sin and death. Her extravagance found its motivation in the new life that was alive within her. She didn't care what anyone thought, this One who knew who she was had embraced her with mercy, compassion and grace. What He took, she wanted to get rid of anyway. What He gave she had only dreamed about, cried for, long and sought for. He was the fulfillment of it all. It was wonderful.
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Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Thankful
It's hard to believe another year has nearly passed. At this time of thanksgiving and then quickly stepping into Advent, Christ's people should lift a shout of praise and thanksgiving to the true and living God as revealed in Jesus Christ. In a day of confusion and darkness, may we shout with the apostle, "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift (2 Cor.9:15). I don't seem to stray far from that passage these days. My attitude must be one of thanksgiving. The reality around wants to drag out the negative and complaining spirit, but in these times Christ still lives. It's never about who is president or what the stock market is doing. The political scene in Christ's time wasn't anything special. Corruption and immorality were pervasive in both the religious and political world. In the midst of the cloud of uncertainty and sinfulness, Christ's people must be cultivating an attitude of praise and thanksgiving. The Lord commands it, but He also provides ample reason for. Make a list of God's blessings you enjoy each day. Begin with the quiet confidence that it is well with your soul.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
WONDER / Luke 7:36-50
Ravi Zacharias in his excellent book, Recapture The Wonder, states that many things are hard to maintain throughout life, one of these being wonder. As Christ followers it is easy to 'take for granted' amazing grace. It is too easy to get stuck in the ruts and routines, and lose the passion and intensity, the joy and exaltation, the wonder and awe of what God has done and is doing for us in Christ.
In Luke 7, this unnamed woman, who spoke no words, is overwhelmed when she comes into contact with Jesus. She knew who Jesus was/is. Simon didn't. His logic, pride, religious prejudice, separated him from the One who could set his heart free. Her tears flowed from the depth of a heart set free from sin and death. Her extravagance found its motivation in the new life that was alive within her. She didn't care what anyone thought, this One who knew who she was had embraced her with mercy, compassion and grace. What He took, she wanted to get rid of anyway. What He gave she had only dreamed about, cried for, long and sought for. He was the fulfillment of it all. It was wonderful.
In Luke 7, this unnamed woman, who spoke no words, is overwhelmed when she comes into contact with Jesus. She knew who Jesus was/is. Simon didn't. His logic, pride, religious prejudice, separated him from the One who could set his heart free. Her tears flowed from the depth of a heart set free from sin and death. Her extravagance found its motivation in the new life that was alive within her. She didn't care what anyone thought, this One who knew who she was had embraced her with mercy, compassion and grace. What He took, she wanted to get rid of anyway. What He gave she had only dreamed about, cried for, long and sought for. He was the fulfillment of it all. It was wonderful.
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