Monday, January 21, 2013
Thought of the Day, from 11/7/12: Authority
What a privilege to be able to vote, but what a privilege that my reality is not changed by its outcome. Praying for the authorities that God has placed over us, all to the glory of His name.
Thought of the Day: Safety v. Obedience
"Playing it safe" is just self-centered self-preservation, leading ultimately to self-annihilation. "Playing it safe" is no safety at all. Lord keep me from seeking the false security of any "safety" outside of you. Amen.
And a paraphrase from Pastor Jess' sermon yesterday, "Delayed obedience is immediate disobedience."
And a paraphrase from Pastor Jess' sermon yesterday, "Delayed obedience is immediate disobedience."
Friday, January 18, 2013
Another Thought of the Day: Guilt As an Idol
As ridiculous as this thought might initially seem, I think that we can easily make an idol out of our guilt over our sin.
Conviction of sin through the Holy Spirit leads us to confession and repentance from sin, leading to forgiveness of sin made possible only through the substitutionary act of Jesus Christ on our behalf, which has its glorious end result in right relationship with God eternally. Every step of this process is a God-given gift. However, when we halt the process anywhere along the way (conviction, confession, repentance, forgiveness from God through Christ, but failing to grow in right relationship with God) our feelings over our sin become of greater prominence in our minds than the God whom we've sinned against. Repentance from sin is a result of, and meant to lead us to, the overwhelming grace of our God. (Romans 2:4)
There is nothing new or unique about any of our sin. Put it in its place, at the foot of cross, and do not pick it up again. And by the grace of God, we will. To God alone be the glory.
Conviction of sin through the Holy Spirit leads us to confession and repentance from sin, leading to forgiveness of sin made possible only through the substitutionary act of Jesus Christ on our behalf, which has its glorious end result in right relationship with God eternally. Every step of this process is a God-given gift. However, when we halt the process anywhere along the way (conviction, confession, repentance, forgiveness from God through Christ, but failing to grow in right relationship with God) our feelings over our sin become of greater prominence in our minds than the God whom we've sinned against. Repentance from sin is a result of, and meant to lead us to, the overwhelming grace of our God. (Romans 2:4)
There is nothing new or unique about any of our sin. Put it in its place, at the foot of cross, and do not pick it up again. And by the grace of God, we will. To God alone be the glory.
Thought of the Day: Drawn to Redemption, Led to Repentance
Third verse and chorus of "How He Loves", as performed by David Crowder Band
"We are His portion and He is our prize
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes
If grace is an ocean, we're all sinking
So Heaven meets earth like an unforeseen kiss
And my heart turns violently inside of my chest
I don't have time to maintain these regrets
When I think about the way
"He loves us
Oh how He loves us,
How He loves us so
How he loves"
Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? Romans 2:4
"We are His portion and He is our prize
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes
If grace is an ocean, we're all sinking
So Heaven meets earth like an unforeseen kiss
And my heart turns violently inside of my chest
I don't have time to maintain these regrets
When I think about the way
"He loves us
Oh how He loves us,
How He loves us so
How he loves"
Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? Romans 2:4
Thought of the Day, from 1/13/13: Idols
There is no benefit in holding tightly to idols that cannot sustain, nor their positions maintain.
Thought of the Day, from 1/14/13: Perfection
It is simply inaccurate to expect perfection from a Christian (on this side of eternity). That is what his Savior is for. Expectations of perfection in anyone besides Jesus Christ will only lead to broken relationships, either between the Christian and his brother, or the Christian and his God.
On the flip side, repentance from sin, and grace in forgiveness can and should be expected. Our relationship with God and with our fellow man are of primary importance (see the "greatest commandments" in Matthew 22:37-40). *Note: "his" is not intended to be an exclusive personal pronoun, but an inclusive one, covering us females, too. We moms can be the worst at this, especially on ourselves. Today, grace.
On the flip side, repentance from sin, and grace in forgiveness can and should be expected. Our relationship with God and with our fellow man are of primary importance (see the "greatest commandments" in Matthew 22:37-40). *Note: "his" is not intended to be an exclusive personal pronoun, but an inclusive one, covering us females, too. We moms can be the worst at this, especially on ourselves. Today, grace.
Another Thought of the Day, from 12/30/12: The Law
Just finished watching Les Mis, and all I have to say is...
With all the Law's demanding, all it can do is point us to our utter dependence on the Gospel. There is no hope for mercy to be found in the requirements of the Law, only in its giver, our Holy God who freely gives both grace and justice in His Son Jesus.
With all the Law's demanding, all it can do is point us to our utter dependence on the Gospel. There is no hope for mercy to be found in the requirements of the Law, only in its giver, our Holy God who freely gives both grace and justice in His Son Jesus.
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