1 Peter 5:7
"Cast all your cares upon Him; for He cares for you."
Key word: ALL. Understatement: "...cares for you." The Redeemer King, who committed no sin, took on the sin of all ... a necessary sacrifice so we could be gifted with the invitation to "enter the throne room boldly."
Philippians 4:6-7
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Key words: "anxious" versus "heart and mind, guarded by the peace of God." Paul wrote that he had learned to "...be content in any every situation, whether well fed or hungry, living in plenty or want." He concluded: "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."
We thank you, Lord, for the peace we experience as we lie down in green pastures. We thank you, Lord, for the peace you give even as we walk through the Valley of Death.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Share the peace
Proverbs 3:25-26
Do not be afraid of sudden terror,
Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes;
For the Lord will be your confidence,
And will keep your foot from being caught.
In the wake of the earthquake and tsunami that have devastated Japan, there was discussion in our home this morning about the fact that we live in a geographic area that is also "overdue" for an earthquake, based on history. Certainly an earthquake falls into the category of "sudden terror," and as residents of the Pacific Northwest we have reason to ponder the possibilties.
In prayer, however, we were reminded that our trust -- ALL trust -- lies ultimately in the Lord. It is only in Christ that we can hope for peace regardless of circumstances, even threat of death. Our prayer ultimately shifted to a request for His wisdom and discernment regarding measures we might take to prepare for disaster.
More importantly, I was prompted in conversation with our daughter to acknowledge in prayer God's sovereignty. And I was reminded to pray for, and be prepared to speak boldly to, those who are not believers. Rather than being inclined to worry about myself, I should be inspired to speak of Jesus, source of our redemption and the peace that passeth understanding.
Isaiah 54:10
"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed."
Do not be afraid of sudden terror,
Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes;
For the Lord will be your confidence,
And will keep your foot from being caught.
In the wake of the earthquake and tsunami that have devastated Japan, there was discussion in our home this morning about the fact that we live in a geographic area that is also "overdue" for an earthquake, based on history. Certainly an earthquake falls into the category of "sudden terror," and as residents of the Pacific Northwest we have reason to ponder the possibilties.
In prayer, however, we were reminded that our trust -- ALL trust -- lies ultimately in the Lord. It is only in Christ that we can hope for peace regardless of circumstances, even threat of death. Our prayer ultimately shifted to a request for His wisdom and discernment regarding measures we might take to prepare for disaster.
More importantly, I was prompted in conversation with our daughter to acknowledge in prayer God's sovereignty. And I was reminded to pray for, and be prepared to speak boldly to, those who are not believers. Rather than being inclined to worry about myself, I should be inspired to speak of Jesus, source of our redemption and the peace that passeth understanding.
Isaiah 54:10
"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed."
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Modern martyr
Just over a week ago, the sole Christian member of the Pakistani cabinet literally gave his life for Jesus Christ. Shahbaz Bhatti, 42, was assassinated by Muslim extremists outside his mother's home. Pamphlets by al-Qaeda and a branch of the Taliban were found at the scene, claiming that anyone who blasphemes Muhammad must die. Bhatti's declaration that Christ is the son of God apparently sealed his fate with members of the Taliban branch active in Pakistan. Christian martyrdom is not a thing of the past. Each day, attacks occur against Christians around the world.
When a brother prayed a prayer of thanks the other morning at a Bible study, I recall the realization that the American freedom to worship ... and witness to others ... is a precious gift. I give thanks for the knowledge that God, who desires relationship with all, welcomes all believers who pass from this life into life eternal with Him. I give thanks for the powerful witness of courageous believers like Mr. Bhatti ... now called to heaven ... and for the fact that the Father provides comfort and hope to the loved ones of those who are martyred in His name.
Philippians 3:12-14a
"I have not yet reached my goal, and I am not perfect. But Christ has taken hold of me. So I keep on running and struggling to take hold of the prize ... I forget what is behind, and I struggle for what is ahead. I run toward the goal, so that I can win the prize of being called to heaven."
When a brother prayed a prayer of thanks the other morning at a Bible study, I recall the realization that the American freedom to worship ... and witness to others ... is a precious gift. I give thanks for the knowledge that God, who desires relationship with all, welcomes all believers who pass from this life into life eternal with Him. I give thanks for the powerful witness of courageous believers like Mr. Bhatti ... now called to heaven ... and for the fact that the Father provides comfort and hope to the loved ones of those who are martyred in His name.
Philippians 3:12-14a
"I have not yet reached my goal, and I am not perfect. But Christ has taken hold of me. So I keep on running and struggling to take hold of the prize ... I forget what is behind, and I struggle for what is ahead. I run toward the goal, so that I can win the prize of being called to heaven."
Philippians 1:21
"For to me, to live is Christ, to die is gain."
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Faith, trust and obedience
In this blog entry I encourage you to link to a recent interview between two godly men who because of technology have reached untold millions around the world with the gospel message. The two are pastor and evangelist Greg Laurie and Focus on the Family founder Dr. James Dobson (pictured here; now head of FamilyTalk radio ministry).
In this interview, which was recorded at one of Laurie's Harvest Crusades in Anaheim, California, the two tackle a few of the "hard questions" faced at some time by all Christ followers. I won't give away details of the video, but I will reference a portion of the interview when Dr. Dobson quotes lyrics from the beloved hymn "It is Well with My Soul." The song notes Christ's warning that his followers will in this life experience not only peace, but sorrow as well. Regardless, however, we are called to lean on His promises to declare: "It is well, it is well with my soul."
In this interview, which was recorded at one of Laurie's Harvest Crusades in Anaheim, California, the two tackle a few of the "hard questions" faced at some time by all Christ followers. I won't give away details of the video, but I will reference a portion of the interview when Dr. Dobson quotes lyrics from the beloved hymn "It is Well with My Soul." The song notes Christ's warning that his followers will in this life experience not only peace, but sorrow as well. Regardless, however, we are called to lean on His promises to declare: "It is well, it is well with my soul."
John 16:33
Jesus said, "I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Seeking His wisdom
This morning, gathered with three brothers before the break of day, I was blessed with a reminder of the priceless value of the gift of wisdom. Our men's group, after all, is built around the common denominators of fatherhood and a desire to be godly husbands/fathers. Today there was reference to last Sunday's teaching, which focused on Proverbs 1 and the subject of wisdom. There we read in part (Prov. 1:7):
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline (instruction)."
From the beginning, I have felt privileged to be part of this dad's group. I am the only man there with adult children AND grandchildren to boot. Today, as we shared and prayed, I was reminded once again what a great gift it was to live a childhood with role models including a godly father and grandfather. I was reminded what a gift it is to live in continued fellowship with godly men such as those in this "dad's group."
I was also reminded that my ongoing prayers for wisdom should include a request for discernment -- Holy Spirit promptings such as when to speak and when to stay silent; when to engage, and when to walk away; when to pray against challenging circumstances, and when to pray that those circumstances might be embraced, recognized as God's tools.
Most of all, I recall today that I must rely on the Lord for the wisdom -- and the courage -- to see and deny my natural inclinations to place myself above Him and others. I give thanks for his limitless grace.
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline (instruction)."
From the beginning, I have felt privileged to be part of this dad's group. I am the only man there with adult children AND grandchildren to boot. Today, as we shared and prayed, I was reminded once again what a great gift it was to live a childhood with role models including a godly father and grandfather. I was reminded what a gift it is to live in continued fellowship with godly men such as those in this "dad's group."
I was also reminded that my ongoing prayers for wisdom should include a request for discernment -- Holy Spirit promptings such as when to speak and when to stay silent; when to engage, and when to walk away; when to pray against challenging circumstances, and when to pray that those circumstances might be embraced, recognized as God's tools.
Most of all, I recall today that I must rely on the Lord for the wisdom -- and the courage -- to see and deny my natural inclinations to place myself above Him and others. I give thanks for his limitless grace.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
'Son of Hamas' becomes follower of Christ
I first heard about him on television, and today learned through Joel Rosenberg that he has his own website. "He" is Mosab Hassan Yousef, the oldest son of a founding member of the extreme Islamic organization called Hamas. Yousef makes his newfound faith in Christ public, risking his very life to expose the secrets of Hamas. In a book titled "Son of Hamas" he reveals details of a double life he lived for a time after surrendering his heart to Jesus. Today he is making that book available in Arabic at no cost. For details about how God is working through this young man, click on the link below.http://sonofhamas.com/
Pictured above is Mosab Hassan Yousef (right) and Israeli friend Gonen ben Yitzhak. (photo from Yousef's blog)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
