By Brett and Alex Harris
Dear Lord, All the things in my life have been a work of your sovereign care. Everything that you have worked in my life has been the result of your grace. All the thanks and glory should be given to you. You have changed my life. God, help me see your beauty. I will perish if I do not see your glory. Everything that is good in my life is only a shadow to your infinite worth. All that is true and beautiful is found you. You have revealed yourself in the beauty of your Son. Awaken my heart once again. Help me see the beauty of your Son crucified for a wretch like me. Thank you that you loved me in my unfaithfulness. Thank you that you died for me when I was your enemy. Thank you that I was dead in my sins and you made me alive. Thank you for giving me a living hope. Thank you for giving me strength. Thank you for giving me a family who loves me. Thank you for the church that you have provided me. Thank you for being the great provider. Thank you for meeting my needs. Thank you for drawing me to yourself. Thank you that there is none like you. Thank you that YOU alone are exalted. Thank you that there is no God besides thee. Thank you that You are the God of righteousness. Thank you are unfading and undefiled. Thank you that you became defiled for us. Thank you for the gospel. Thank you that you died so that we may see your worth. Thank you that the world was in sin and error pinning, till you appeared and the Soul felt its worth. Thank you for pain so that you would show me that you Heal. Thank you for discipline because you are a Father to your children. Thank you for your Holy Spirit, for it is by Him that I see the glory of the cross. Thank you for Your Word, it is through your Word I learn how to live life and love righteousness. Thank you for the birth of Your precious Son. Thank you that you will never leave me nor forsake me because your Son was forsake for me. Thank you for the blood that cleanses me of my filth. Thank you that you are the thought that cleanses my wickedness. Thank You that you loved the world when it hated you. Thank you that You alone are infinite in worth. Thank you that you are the Creator. Thank you for changing my life. Thank you that I have no good thing besides thee. Thank you that you alone have living water. Thank you that you are the bread of life. Thank you for the offense of the cross that sames sinners. Thank you that you are worth more than anything in the world. Thank you for loving me despite my failures. Open my eyes and enlarge my heart to see your worth. Thank you for the Glory of Jesus Christ.
Heaven should be way sweeter than the world. Heaven should be more desirable than the world. If Christ is not becoming increasingly sweeter, and heaven filling more and more of my thoughts, it might be a sign that I am satisfied with this world. This world is hell for a believer exactly because we do not see Jesus face to face. For a believer, earth will be as close as hell because we are not in the very presence of the Lord now. For an unbeliever, earth will be as close as heaven because of the many graces that they receive without acknowledging the Creator. I pray that I would not be satisfied with this world. This world is crap without my Jesus. He is the only one that can satisfy. He is the only one in whom I see rays of hope, happiness, and love. I want to see my Jesus. I want my soul to be satisfied in Him alone. What a friend I have in Jesus!
Every time I hear whispers of the gospel, my heart rings with joy. My human nature tries to please God by WHAT I DO, but when I remind myself WHAT HE HAS DONE, I am convinced that there is no other Savior as beautiful as MY Jesus. I want the whole world to see the beauty of MY Savior. I grieve that I live in this God-ignoring world. I grieved that I do not give more attention and love to my Savior. So many times I make Christianity a religion rather than a relationship through what Christ has accomplished on the cross. Jesus tells me not to grow cold, or he will remove my lampstand as he speaks to the church of Ephesus in Revelation 2. God, burn this fire and increase it and ignite it for your name's sake. I have been praying this for awhile I know you will answer this because I desire that YOUR NAME MIGHT BE GLORIFIED. DO this for your name's sake.
"Let Him who boasts, Boasts in the Lord"
Lord, help me pray. Help me see the importance of prayer. Help me communion with You and to be fervent in seeing Your kingdom come and Your will be done. Please ignite a passion in me for Your name's sake. Be my treasure. Give me eyes to see your infinite worth. Help me see the rays of your infinite glory shining through your Son on Calvary. The Son hangs on a cross, displaying infinite mercy and infinite justice. Move in your people. In Jesus Name, Amen.
I was reading Luke this morning, and was once again reminded that following Christ means committing your whole life to him. Judgment is soon coming to a world in rebellion against him. People make many excuses so that they would not follow the Savior. EVERYTHING has to be invested in the kingdom. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. God also commands me to be merciful to those who cannot repay me back. God you have to burn in me a passion for your name's sake. I also read that no one can follow Christ unless he hates his own father and mother and brother and wife and anything else that will not exalt Christ in one's life. This does not mean literally hate your parents, but it means that you cannot love your family or anything more than Christ. Where is my heart? What do I love? Is Christ the love of my life? Does my time show it? Does my actions show it? Does my love for other believers show it? Does my money show it? God, please remove any inconsistencies in my life. Show me the reality of the kingdom. Those who would follow Christ must take up their crosses daily and renounce all things daily for the sake of the Kingdom of God which is coming in glory.
Here was an interesting insight I heard on the radio this morning as I was driving to school. I should begin to cultivate faithfulness and give thanks in all circumstances. God is working out is good and sovereign plan. Here are some things I am thankful for:
I have been revived by God to love and serve His people. I was being overcritical awhile back, but after the nine marks conference, God renewed my passion for the local church. I am so thankful that God has placed me at CFBC. We have problems, but God's glory is still seen in the warm grandmas, young children, passionate and goofy youth. God brings so many diverse people into the church. Ephesians talks about how God bought people through his Son's blood that he might unite both Jew and Gentile together. The gospel will be proclaimed through the context of the local church and love for other believers. The gospel will be glorious as diverse people love one another (john 13:34).
1. Jesus suffered for our propitiation (the appeasement of the wrath of God), we suffer for the propagation of the gospel so that his propitiation and his love might be made known.
Here are some of my reflections on 1 John and how do I really know that I am a Child of God.
I was really blessed this past weekend to listen to Mark Dever and Rick Holland teach on what a healthy church looked like. Especially the encouragement to preach the Word and be faithful to the Word of God. Why is the word of God so precious? Because it is by the Word we are sanctified. It is the hearing of the Word that helps our "spiritual eyes" to see Christ and his magnifecent work on the cross. We are a hearing culture that desperately needs to hear the voice of God in the midst of of darkness, suffering, and sin. I also learned about church membership, discipline, and discipleship. Church membership is extremely important for the church because it will help distinguish who are God's true sheep. Another interesting insight was to plead or beg people on behalf of Christ to be reconciled to God. A theology of hell will help see the gravity of sin and the glories of the cross. Spurgeon said that people who are going to hell must go to hell leaping over believers holding onto their knees pleading for them to be reconciled. A very graphic image. So how am I going to apply what I learned at this conference?
A person who strives after his dreams, dreams that seem impossible, will be successful even though he fails. God, please fulfill your good purpose in me. Display Jesus Christ as glorious!
I'm ready to start living radically for Jesus. I have seen so many people in church that are dying of complacency and I see myself headed down that road. Francis Chan's message really convicted me to live FOR Christ. Count all things as loss in the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus. Join with Jesus and embrace suffering for the glory of God. God, take me alongside of you and teach me. I am going to run to you know by ACTING, not just hearing. Francis gave a really good illustration about American Theology: "We have bible studies on how to obey...", "What if I told my daughter to clean her room, and she told me 'I'm going to memorize your words' or 'I'm going to have a group study of what that looks like'". But that illustration hit home to what is going on the church now. We are dying because we do not apply the word. God give me a radical humility and radical heart for service. I pray that your Spirit moves in me to move out into the uncomfortable, that you might be able to comfort me. Bible study will seem a lot more beneficial when we are coming back broken from stepping out in faith. God, let's do this by your strength. I want to really KNOW you. I really want to feel your presence. THESE WORDS MEAN NOTHING IF THEY ARE NOT ACCOMPANIED BY ACTION. GOD HELP ME ACT NOW. TODAY, IS THE DAY. DO NOT LET ME PUT IT OFF. HELP ME LIVE RADICALLY AND EMBRACE OPPOSITION.
Going to seminary, I face an incredible danger to my soul. Service can sometimes come before the master. I have been listening to some good exhortations and I really want to start living out my faith. I think it is so easy to become dull in hearing, becoming only "hearers of the word" and not "doers." I really do not want to die in complacency, but move out in action. I have been listening to some really good Randy Alcorn sermons on breaking the god of materialism:
Listening to Piper sermons are always a blessing. It takes a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit that Christ died not to make much of me, but to make much of God. This goes against our natural instincts because we naturally think that happiness comes from our exaltation, people loving us, people praising us, people affirming us. However, the Bible is a radically God-centered book, where God is the being that needs to be praised, affirmed, exalted, loved. God is so zealous to be made much of that He would crucify his only beloved Son. The Son died so that the Father would be exalted. The Son redeemed that the Father would be made much. The Spirit is given that would help believers make much of the Father. I am blind to this glorious truth, Open my eyes that I behold your wondrous works. Make much of Yourself through Jesus Christ I pray, Amen
Galatians 5:1 For freedom in Chris has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
Sometimes I feel like quitting. I am just overwhelmed with how my walk is suppose to be. There are so many inconsistencies in my life that does not glorify the Lord. Ministry can be rough and take a toll on you. There are so many needs to be met, it is overwhelming. My heart is hurting and broken inside because I struggle with guilt that I am a failure and not leading well. The Lord was a man aquainted with sorrows, yet without sin. I thank him that He did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Lord, would you heal my heart. It's hurting right now. People place such high standards and expectations that I will never seem to live up too. I am a failure, and I am glad that you can use my failures for your glory. Please remove sin in my life. Please remove religious hypocrisy, so that men might glorify my Father who is in heaven. Forgive my iniquity that I would teach sinners and transgressors your way. I pray for your mercy, your cleansing and healing Lord.
I really hate feeling up and down, and unhealthy spiritually. The root causes of spiritual depression is (1) unbelief and (2) unconfessed sin in my life. Psalm 139 teaches me to examine my heart, and ask God to help me forsake any wicked way in me. I have been really burdened with ministry. I am always studying so that I could teach, but I feel like I never have time just to get away and read my bible just for my enjoyment. I come home saturday nights feeling exhausted and all I want to do is not think, and rest. I feel like I'm always serving and it is hard to find rest. I may even think that just because I'm serving, I think I am right with God. God is not going to look at works to be accepted by him, because my works are filthy rags. He is going to look if I trusted his Son and his great salvation.
Romans 6:14
1. Contemplation. Contemplate on the goodness of God, or the mercy of God, or the love of God. Be still and try to rest in his presence. Try avoiding all the distractions and meditate on scripture. After meditation, pray, and this leads to worship
1. One way to effectively build community is to do this excercise, and share your life story with the community of believers. It helps me be vulnerable, and bring things to light that I am ashamed of. It helps the community show me that I am a weak human in need of grace also, needing the cross of Christ, and his love to comfort and guide me.
Everyone has a life story according to my readings in Foundations of Spiritual Formation. Well, lets see how God has been providentally working in my life.
Ephesians 3:14-19 14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom w every family [3] in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to x the riches of his glory y he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spiritz in your inner being, 17 a so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being b rooted and c grounded in love, 18 may have strength tod comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and e height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ f that surpasses knowledge, thatg you may be filled with all h the fullness of God. 20 i Now to j him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, k according to the power at work within us, 21 l to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. ALEX MEMORIZE!!!
I long for a deeper relationship with God. I don't want to know God intellectually, but know him from the deepest inner most being of my heart. This takes surrender, relationship building, and quietness before God. Learning to hear his Spirit dwelling in me, leading me to a greater love for Jesus Christ. I want to know the love of Christ that surpasses all knowledge and understanding. Here are some helpful thoughts in my readings that have been insightful:
I am reading really good books and trying to integrate your mind and heart to God. Many seminary students feel dry in their spiritual life because they view seminary from an academic/professional model rather than a transformational model. THIS IS SO TRUE. Evangelicals do have right orthodoxy in their beliefs, but somehow they have lost how to integrate the heart as well. This is especially true of me, I have all the right doctrines in my head, but my heart says a different thing. I know all the right things, but my heart feels very distant from God. Praise God for these books. I have been praying a little more, and praying for people. But even my prayers seem short and not genuine. The book also emphasize that different traditions, even within catholicism, has some good devotional practices that we should not quickly dismiss. Practices such as : meditation, solitude, fasting, serving, grace of church.
Some Insights from godly people on how to love people:
In Satisfy Your Soul, the author believes that evangelical Christianity has lost the practice of the sprititual disciplines as an overreaction againsts certain movements in church history. The average Protestant understanding of Christianity is: go to church, pray, read your bible. But the problem is that most Christians do not feel an awareness of the Spirit's leading, or growing awareness of God. The author asks the questions, where are you right now in your relationship with God?
The goal of preaching is to present Christ in his glory and lift Him up. It is to adore, worship, and apply Christ. Address the idols of the heart and present Christ is his all sufficient saving work. It is to show Christ and worship him. Seeing Jesus and hearing of his greatness will produce sanctification.
Galatians 6:14 "But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world."
1. God is light, God has Acted, God has spoken
I praise God for the godly people he puts in my life. They call me out on sin, exhort me to love Jesus, and live in light of His Second Coming. Thank you for encouraging me to love Christ more and seek him in spite of my sin church family.
I see glimpses of the love of God, and my heart rings with joy. I wish for a more fuller experience of this joy. Jesus prayed that we might have joy. J.I. Packer in Knowing God also makes an interesting insight: that adoptions is a greater blessing than the grace of justification. I would agree. Adoption shows reconciliation. To know that God is your Father is the greatest truth a human can know. Jesus says, not everyone who says to me "Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven", but those who do the will of my Father. What keeps us from sin is that God's children do not want to displease their father. Are there diobedient children? Sure, but a loving Father will discipline them. God disciplines me for my good. I look back at all my shortcomings, and it has brought me to the realization that God had a plan all along. He continually picked on my heart, showing me my sin and convicting me of my hypocrisy. I cannot run from God. The psalmist prayed, where shall I go, where can I flee from your presence? Coming to an understanding of the Fatherhood of God has several implications. (1) Children act like their parents. Am I acting like my Heavenly Father? Do I hate sin like he hated it (Crucifying His Son on a Cross)? (2) Children talk to their parents. I have neglected to talk to my Heavenly Father maybe because this reflects my own relationship with my earthly father. I have never really have deep and long conversations with my earthly dad because of neglect and maybe I have projected this view on my Heavenly Father. I have to realize that God is good, he gives good gifts to those who ask of Him? How can my heavenly Father give poison water if I ask of him? Even if I cry and bicker that I do not get my own way. This leads to the next truth: My Father is completely good. God will do nothing to harm me. He loves me. I doubt this many times, and I struggle to see whether I am really a child of God. I feel like the child who came back to his father and said, "I am not even worthy to be called your son, please make me one of your hired servants." But as Jesus illustrates, the Father picks up his tunic and runs to the Son and says, "Kill the fattened calf, this son of mine was dead and now is alive!" He also put the robe on him, gave him a ring, and there were angels in heaven rejoicing because the Son had come back to the Father. God please assure me of your love again, I have strayed far from you, but through your goodness, affliction I have seen, but now I seek to keep Your Word by your grace and Spirit.
The key to all knowledge and wisdom is knowing God through Jesus Christ our Lord. To know God, is to know Christ. To know God, is to fellowship in the completely happy and joyful Trinity. To know God, is to lay down's one life for Christ. As Christ layed down his life in obedience to the Father, we lay down our lives in obedience in Christ, sharing in the triune God.I see glimpses of glory, yet my sin holds me back. True saints seek God with their whole heart, and I feel like my heart is divided at times. The idols that I must constantly put to death is being in control of my future, the exaltation of my education, comfortability, an easy life rather than a cross bearing life. Why do people do not follow Jesus today? Because they have accepted forgiveness of sins but not Lordship and obedience to take up the cross. Lord, remove this log from my eye. I see it, but I am blind to my own complacency. The great saints of the past knew that they needed your grace to overcome, and I do to. My heart wanders everyday from you, yet you pull me back through sermons, your Word, prayer, the church. God, how can I lead your people if I do not lead myself? How do I tell people about your sacrifice if I have not sacrificed myself? The cross seems burdensome to tell you the truth. It is scary to know that You demand my life. This is fear driven obedience. Would you help me look past the cross and see the resurrection? the future glory? I get so scared sometimes because I KNOW what you demand of me, but I do not know this with my heart. I am still hesistant to trust You, because I am afraid of the cross I must bear. The criticisms, the mockings, maybe even beatings and tortutings. Who would not be afraid? But you did it. You endured criticsms, mockings, beatings, crucifixion. Why would you do all this? Because you had hope. You looked pass these things. Help me look past these things as well and see the glories of heaven. "Set my mind on things above, not on things on this earth" "Our citezenship is heaven" "You love Him even though you have not seen Him" God, would you please relieve my fears, and renew my trust in Your perfect plan? I need more grace. Draw me near to You. My heart is prone to wander. Help me pursue delight and satisfaction in you. Satisfy me with your steadfast love again. Give me eyes to see the bountiful blessings you have poured out in my life. I love you Lord. Help me show it. God, remove the hypocrisy and my Phariseesism from my life. I pray this in your risen Son's name, Amen.
Listening to Crazy Love by Francis Chan has been really encouraging to me. The book addresses lukewarm Christianity. Lukewarm Christianity disgusts God. I want with all my heart to not fall into this trap. I see it in the church, and I see it in my own life. It is way to easy to be comfortable at church, and think that your ok. Yea, I don't drink and have immoral relationships, but how does my life look any different from a moral unbeliever? Do I give radically? Do I love radically? Does my life reflect the awesomeness of God. I want to be renewed and zealous for the Lord. I want to be like King Hezekiah, who destroyed all the high places and "did what was right in the sight of the Lord." The Psalmists prays, "With my whole heart I seek you, let me not wander from your commandments." God, you know my complacency. Only You can change my heart when I see your Majesty again. Help me think great thoughts about you.
I have been so tired serving in ministry that I have neglected my relationship with God. Today, I am going to take the day off and just hang out with God. I'm going to read His word, pray, read some encouraging devotionals and just enjoy the day. I am not going to be serving, and I need to find a place of rest for my soul. Jesus withdrew to the mountain to pray in the mornings and evenings, how much more do I when I am a sinner! "Satisfy me with your steadfast love"
Psalm 27:14 Wait for the Lord;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the Lord!
Today the Lord spoke to my heart about waiting for God to renew my strength. I have been crying out to him to restore me and renew me, but I need to wait. I don't like this season of dryness. I want to be passionate for Jesus Christ. He is so glorious and I am so blind. I have been noticing that I have not been completely satisfied in Him and I am starting to seek other things to satisfy me, whether it be sports, reading, my education, etc. I got to preach to myself today as I was teaching sunday school: "Only God can satisfy our souls eternally." Teach me what that means Lord. How do I rest contented in you. Satisfy me with your steadfast love and lead me in your paths. "Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things and give me life in your ways."
How to fight for Joy
1. Make time to read the Bible, schedule it. Write it on my google calender. Noon day memorization, night time meditation of learning to be still. Be a farmer and sow, God causes the growth
2. Memorize Scripture and love it more than fine gold.
3. Wait upon the Lord to renew my strength.
4. Be still before God and just listen to His word.
5. Know that Jesus already accomplished my redemption at calvary, and believe it by faith.
I haven't blogged in awhile, and I need to start being disciplined in this. I have been praying that God would make me whole. These past few months have been a dry spell and a season of darkness for me. I have caught the "martha" syndrome of serving, and its been taking a toll on my spiritual life. Reading at some points have become burdensome to me. I just have to remind myself that Christ has done all the work, and I need to rest in his finished work. I cannot anything to his gospel and God does not accept me on the basis of my service, but through the death and resurrection of his son. I need to see the beauty of Jesus Christ again, PLEASE HOLY SPIRIT, magnify CHRIST ONCE AGAIN in my life. Help me rest in Him and help me lean on Him.
I have also been hardened by my sin towards my brother. I praise the Lord for church members who can call you out on your sin. I have to be more Christ-like towards my brother. Jesus did not retaliate when on the cross. I retialiate when I am being revilved, and this is not good. Help me change in this as well Lord.
I was also blessed by the funeral service. It is better to be at the house of mourning than the hosue of pleasure. You see the reality of death, however, Christ has conquered the grave. Hope becomes so real when you are faced with death. I praise God for how the DeGuzman family is dealing with their loss. God is a God of hope and comfort. That funeral service also teached me to love my mother and father while they are still alive. Honor your father and mother. Tita Lily told me to treasure them, good sound godly wisdom.
If anything I want right now, is to be whole again. I have been seeking satisfaction in other things, and I want to taste again the goodness of the Lord. I need to persevere through this dark dry season and wait upon the Lord to renew me. God, help me. Renew me. I keep praying this, and I hope to see a change and revival in my life. Give me a renewed passion to serve you and love you with JOY, not DUTY. Its been dutiful and I have lost sight of my rest in You. I ask this in Jesus name, Amen.
Religious Affections
True religion consists of proper affections and love for God. The main theme I learned from Edwards is that true religion consists of OBEDIENCE to God. More than that, it is a grateful obedience to God. The devil and his angels know theology, but they do not love God and worship him. I praise God for the puritans and am thankful for their insightful wisdom.
1 Kings 1-2
David dies and Solomon succeeds the throne. The main meditation that I was thinking over was David's farewell speech to Solomon. He tells him to follow the Lord wholeheartly.
“I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man, 3 and keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn, 4 that the Lord may establish his word that he spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack [1] a man on the throne of Israel.’
Men of God follow the Lord, keep his statues, his commandments, and testimonies. God is faithful to his promises. Teach me your statues!
Today, I receieved an unexpected email. I didn't make a deadline, but the Lord is teaching me to trust his provision. God is faithful and will meet my needs. I am done with school for the summer and feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I need to focus more on the local church and focus on praying more to see God move. We are utterly dependent on God's Spirit. We need to pray that the Holy Spirit would bring sanctification and revival in the people.
Prayer meeting
It is always a blessing to go to prayer meeting. I love singing the hymns that are so rich with theological truths. On top of that, everyone is off key so it makes me feel comfortable singing and makes me laugh that i ll have a glorified voice in heaven. Bea shared that I was a blessing to her in teaching Sunday School. That really blessed my heart because normally those kids drive me crazy when I teach them. It reminds me that my labor is not in vain, and the Lord reminded me to keep being faithful with the little things and he will give me greater responsibilites in the future.
1. All of us have to stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ
2. Labor to find ways to communicate the gospel of the cross that it will become culturally asccebible to our people
3. Demonstrate servanthood in our pluralistic society so that people may see servanthood and uniqueness are compatabile.
4. Keep the evangelism central. There is a storm coming of God's judgment and eternal hell, and Christ is the only way of salvation.
1. Anything that satisfies me that is not God is idolatry. Lately, I have been trying to find my satisfaction in education. This is a danger that I face. The prestige of degrees, titles, awards, of being an academic can be worldly if it is not taken under an eternal perspective. Also, God will not look at my Phd or masters degree in heaven, but he look if I found my complete satisfaction in Jesus. I need to rid myself of this worldly mindset.
2. Great Christians have eternity in their mind and see the shortness of our temporary existence on earth.
3. When unbelievers see us do gospel-centered social work, they cannot slander us and misconceptions get destroyed.
4. There should be a boldness for the truth that is undergirded by humility and servanthood. This is powerful witness for the gospel.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Sin is also considered acts of omission. I need eyes to see.
This prop 8 stuff is serious. I just watched a video called "not all traditions are worth keeping" that attacked Prop 8. It's main point was that if we are going to keep traditions, we are going to have to keep (1) chastity, obedience (2) Lords having sex virgin (3) Stoning the adulterer found in Leviticus.
I was shocked. First of all, that Leviticus passage has to deal with ancient Israel. Second, the main point of those codes was to illustrate the absolute holiness of God because God dealt with Israel. What about chastity? Isn't it a loss of freedom to wait? I do not think so. It is actually freedom to wait. Those who have given into sex before marriage seem to lose interest in each other after marriage because the excitement is gone. I remember reading something saying how at a honeymoon, some resort had to get as many activities to occupy the newlyweds because they were bored with one another and had premarital sex before marriage. Our culture is infested with wrong ideas. I need to learn how to think about approaching these issues and start calling them out for what they are! False ideas! However, I need to learn how to approach these issues with love.
So yesterday, I was sitting in the Talbot lounge doing my homework. Some guy was sitting across from me was talking to another student. I was listening, and he saw that I overheard his conversation. He was saying such things as "People in our church do not think any more," "I am accepted by the community because they see my degrees and I am not just some radical fundamentalist." Obviously, he was an evidentialit. He asked me what are the fundamental principles of life you cannot deny? The first things that popped into my head is God and the Scriptures. He responded, "it's funny how calvinists read their own and how everyone doesn't seek for truth by going to people who only support their views." Little did I know, this was a Undergrad philosophy professor! This professor said that the most fundamental truth is the law of non-contradiction. I asked him, what is the law of non contradiction if there is no God? He started going off in words I did not understand. I felt as if he has a type of Elitism because of his philosophy. What I learned was that I do not want to be that way, to "demolish" people in a position of arrogance. Human wisdom is at the end of the day finite and foolish. Its dangerous to see that your human reasoning dominates your submission to God. If reasoning exalts itself, it can be a idol. A good thing such as even the law of non-contradiction can be an idol. I need to learn humility from this experience.
I need to learn how to rest in the Lord. Ministry can be so demanding and challenging sometimes. Service can be duty rather than delight. Worship becomes religion rather than heart felt gratitude to the God of the universe. Jesus would always spend time with His Father, to maintain that intimacy within Him. How I need to learn to rest and be like Mary who sat at the Lord's feet just listening and delighting in His majesty. I have forgotten how to just marvel at God. I should be thankful for all the gifts he has bestowed upon me, yet I am ungrateful and cold. Please forgive me for my coldness Lord. I need to see the great things you have done for me again, that I might serve you out of gratitude and delight rather than hypocrisy and duty. Fill me again with you Holy Spirit Lord, please help me overcome my sin. Not by my works, or exertion of will, but teach me to fight by HEARING OF FAITH in the one who loved me and gave himself for me. Bring me back to the cross Lord. This message should never get dull. Help me see the reality of it and what you have accomplished. Bless our gathering tomorrow as we hear your word. Help us hear with faith.
Renew me...
Confess my coldness to God
Ask for forgiveness with a contrite heart
Repent
Pray over text
Spend a day with God
Rejoice over the truth I am learning
Let God be my teacher
Ask God questions
Rejoice over his truth
Cling to the cross
I am close to God not because of my feelings, but because of Christ's death
The TV show "Kobe Doing Work" inspires thousands of people. What makes these superstars admirable? Their commitment, discipline, hard work, sacrifice, leadership, will, heart, passion. If these superstars do this for worldly pursuits that fade away, how much more should I discipline myself for the kingdom of God that is eternal. We see all these characteristics in our Lord: Leadership by service, hard work, discipline, sacrifice...even to a cross, will, heart.
May I put all my heart and mind and soul into the kingdom, for the purpose of Godliness. Whether theologians, musicians, philosophers, teachers; those who have been set apart from everyone else are those who committed and disciplined themselves to achieve their goal. How much more for the kingdom? How much more for eternal things that last? How can I meet these ends?
This is a rebuke to me. I have been so busy serving the Lord, that I forget why I am doing the things I do. Even good things, things of the LORD, can be a distraction. I study the Word of God all day, yet why do I feel so far and heartless towards God? I think I have been caught in the "pharisee" trap, doing the "religious" thing without no heart. Its so easy to get caught up in the routine of things, its my job to remind me that I should continually seek the Lord. Please open my eyes again to see your beauty. When I see your beauty Lord, sin shall lose its attractiveness on me. When I see your beauty, obedience will be natural. Help me this night, renew my spirits, for your mercy, you look inside my heart and its deceitful, for your grace, help me Lord Jesus. Shine your light. In your name, Amen.
41 Let your u steadfast love come to me, O Lord,
your salvation v according to your promise;
42 then w shall I have an answer for him r who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.
43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
for my x hope is in your rules.
44 I will keep your law continually,
forever and ever,
45 and I shall walk y in a wide place,
for I have z sought your precepts.
46 I will also speak of your testimonies a before kings
and shall not be put to shame,
47 for I b find my delight in your commandments,
which I love.
48 I will c lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love,
and I will d meditate on your statutes.
Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statues
and I will keep it to the end
Give me understanding that I may keep your law
and observe it with my whole heart
Lead me in the path of your commandments
for I delight in it
Incline my heart to your testimonies
and not to selfish gain
Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things
and give me life in your ways
Confirm to your servant your promise
that you may be feared
Turn away from me the reproach I dread
for your rules are good
Behold, I long for your precepts
and in your righteousness give me life
What will reform CFBC?
The preaching of the gospel, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the absolute sufficiency of His saving Work.
In the Gospel Coalition, Carson mentioned two points.
My soul clings to the dust, give me life according to your Word
When I told of my ways, you answered me, teach me your statues
Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works!
My soul melts away for sorrow, strengthen me according to Your Word
Put false ways far from me and graciously teach me your law
I have chosen the way of Faithfulness, I have set your rules before me
I cling to your testimonies let me not be put to shame
I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlargen my heart
Sunday's Service
Deal bountifully with your servant that I am y live and keep your word
Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things in your law
I am a soujourner on earth, hide not your commandments from me
My soul is consumed with longing for your rules at all times
You rebuked the insolent, accursed ones, who wander from your commandments
Take away from me scorn and contempt
for I have kept your testimonies
Even though princes sit plotting against me, your servant will meditate on your statues
Your testimonies are my delight,
For they are my conseuolors
Psalm 119:9-16
How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to your word
With my whole heart I seek you
let me not wander from your commandments!
I have stored up your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you
Blessed are you O Lord
Teach me your statues
With my lips I will declare all the rules of your mouth
In the way of your testimonies I delight
as much as in all riches
I will meditate on your precepts
and fix my eyes on your ways
I will delight in your statues
I will not forget your word
Psalm 119:1-8
Blessed are those whose way are blameless
who walk in the Law of the Lord
Blessed are those who keep his testimonies
who seek Him with their whole heart
who also do no wrong
but walk in his ways
You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently
O that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statues
then I shall not be put to shame
having my eyes fixed on all your commandments
I will praise you with an upright heart
when I learn your righteous rules
I will keep your statues
do not utterly forsake me!
Spring Break Goals
The greatest thinkers in history (Augustine, Calvin, Luther) are those who have thought great thoughts about God. These saints had a high view of the sovereignty of God, the Lordship of Christ, the wonderful grace of God bestowed upon us in Christ. May I think great thoughts about God. How weak and fragile can be the little faith that I have. God once again showed me how awesome He is. God answered one of my prayers concerning my dad when I was in sheer desperation. God always come through when theres nothing I COULD DO except ask Him for help. And God surely came through. I have been so busy lately that I feel like I have no time for God. The ironic thing is that I am immersed with ministry, studying about Him during school, yet why do I feel so far? I feel like a Martha, rather than a Mary who sits humbly and receives instruction and teaching from the Lord. I have not been still before the Lord these couple weeks, and its taking a toll on me. Lord, restore my soul I ask. Please refresh me with your peace and I ask for a sense of wholeness again. Please grant me refreshment from your Spirit and help me set aside time for you. Maybe time in the Biola chapel prayer room might be good time to meet with you. Thank you for this day, refresh me, give me eyes to see. In the name of my great God and savior, amen
I have been reading so much that I have not taken time to meditate on the things I have read. I think I am actually getting burned out, time is going so fast. Am I redeeming the time? It is a blessing to read the Bible, commentaries, however, I need to digest all these deep theological truths. Theology as an applied discipline. I need a spiritual retreat and take time to get recharged in thinking about why I do the things I do. Am I really living for God's kingdom? or am I set on advancing my own agenda? Right now I'm so set on finishing school. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be given into you." It still blows my mind that God's kingdom is already here. I need eyes to see, that death has been conquered by Jesus Christ. Do I not realize that if I am in Christ, I have eternal life? One thing that struck me today, God always intiaties what we cannot do for oursleves. In our rebellion, God still sends his son to die on a cross for us. God lifts up in heavenly places with Him, gives us new life. I need to realize if I am in Christ, death must take place to the old man. There has to be a new creation, not of my own willing, but on the grace of God.
Another thought on my mind, VIM
Vision-To contribute to the need of the saints in Philippines
Intent-Doing it
Means-Save a dollar a day
encourage church to do it
Friday offerings
Raise 1800 in one month. It can be done.
