"O Lord that lends me life,
Lend me a heart replete with thankfulness!'
- William Shakespeare
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Early Will I Seek You (Well, That's My Goal)
Early. I am not a fan of the word. Early reminds me of sleep lost and the slow waking hours when I am trying to fight off the demands of the day ahead. Early is not my best time and it is not popular with me; why do things early when mid-morning will do just fine?
Some people like early. My wife has gotten up early everyday for our entire married life. I write this annoying habit off because she grew up in Kansas and some how I associate her growing up with the sun rising, birds chirruping, and someone outside singing "O what a beautiful morning". Early works for her, not for me. However, what about spending time with God? The Scriptures are full of people who started their day early-, with God. Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, and as we all know, Jesus. Well, I tell myself theses were exceptional people who were called by God. The I remember we are all called by God and there goes my excuse.
So let me take another look at this early thing. With remarkable frequency the Scriptures remind us that many called by God rose early to spend time with him. It seems they did this so they would not be burdened by the cares of the day. Instead they could start their day focused on the one who gives each day as a gift. These people would rise early (there is that word again), and put aside all worry, all impurity, all of their anxieties and distractions and spend time with the only one capable of setting them free. In God's presence they would refit their minds and refocus their hearts on the one true living God. They would use this time to remind themselves that their first thoughts and their first words belong to the giver of life and sustainer of all things. In the early hours the day would begin, not as a burden, but as a blessing.
This early thing has been an on-going learning experience for me, demonstrated by my wife on a daily basis. I see her, not trying to fit God into her busy day, but building her day around him, and I am humbled by her example. Yes I admit that when I see this my first thoughts are usually selfish ones and I thank God for placing her in my life. Then I move to wanting to mirror her desire to spend time with God and practice seeking him early, well maybe not as early as she does, but early. Over the course of time I have found that it works. Psalm 5:3 says, "In the morning, O Lord. you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my request before you. and wait in expectation."
"In the morning" which I guess means early morning. I must admit, I am still not a fan of the word early, but I am learning that it has its place. So tomorrow give early a chance and give yourself a chance to refit you mind on the wonders of our God and refocus your hearts on his amazing love, you maybe surprised with the results.
RefRev
Some people like early. My wife has gotten up early everyday for our entire married life. I write this annoying habit off because she grew up in Kansas and some how I associate her growing up with the sun rising, birds chirruping, and someone outside singing "O what a beautiful morning". Early works for her, not for me. However, what about spending time with God? The Scriptures are full of people who started their day early-, with God. Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, and as we all know, Jesus. Well, I tell myself theses were exceptional people who were called by God. The I remember we are all called by God and there goes my excuse.
So let me take another look at this early thing. With remarkable frequency the Scriptures remind us that many called by God rose early to spend time with him. It seems they did this so they would not be burdened by the cares of the day. Instead they could start their day focused on the one who gives each day as a gift. These people would rise early (there is that word again), and put aside all worry, all impurity, all of their anxieties and distractions and spend time with the only one capable of setting them free. In God's presence they would refit their minds and refocus their hearts on the one true living God. They would use this time to remind themselves that their first thoughts and their first words belong to the giver of life and sustainer of all things. In the early hours the day would begin, not as a burden, but as a blessing.
This early thing has been an on-going learning experience for me, demonstrated by my wife on a daily basis. I see her, not trying to fit God into her busy day, but building her day around him, and I am humbled by her example. Yes I admit that when I see this my first thoughts are usually selfish ones and I thank God for placing her in my life. Then I move to wanting to mirror her desire to spend time with God and practice seeking him early, well maybe not as early as she does, but early. Over the course of time I have found that it works. Psalm 5:3 says, "In the morning, O Lord. you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my request before you. and wait in expectation."
"In the morning" which I guess means early morning. I must admit, I am still not a fan of the word early, but I am learning that it has its place. So tomorrow give early a chance and give yourself a chance to refit you mind on the wonders of our God and refocus your hearts on his amazing love, you maybe surprised with the results.
RefRev
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Show Me Your Glory
I must admit I often struggle to understand the world we live in. One of the first things I do in the morning is peruse the internet, checking out the news of the day. More often than not it is filled with stories of senseless violence, corruption, loss, and moral decay, not always a great way to start the day. I find myself asking God, "What is going on, Lord where can your presence be found in such a world as this?"
Psalm 72:19 says this, "Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen." The Scriptures remind me the glory of God is always present, even in a hurting and dysfunctional world. God has not abandoned or forgotten his people and continues to fill this world, his creation, with his glory. From the birth of a child, the joy of salvation, to the setting of the sun, God reminds us of his glory. One day, his glory will completely fill this world and there will be no questions, no longing for his presence.
Often during dark moments when I struggle to understand the actions of people or the events of the moment that seem so far away from what God intended, I listen to music. One song I enjoy and often use to help me focus is Show Me Your Glory by the Christian band Third Day. My favorite line says, "Show me your glory, send down your presence, I want to see your face." Yes, there are difficult days in this life, times when we as God's people struggle to understand but the glory of God is always present. The day is coming when it will be all consuming and we will never have to ask to be shown a glimpse, for we will stand in its midst. But until that day comes, my prayer remains, "show me your glory, send down your presence, I want to see your face." Amen!
RefRev
Psalm 72:19 says this, "Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen." The Scriptures remind me the glory of God is always present, even in a hurting and dysfunctional world. God has not abandoned or forgotten his people and continues to fill this world, his creation, with his glory. From the birth of a child, the joy of salvation, to the setting of the sun, God reminds us of his glory. One day, his glory will completely fill this world and there will be no questions, no longing for his presence.
Often during dark moments when I struggle to understand the actions of people or the events of the moment that seem so far away from what God intended, I listen to music. One song I enjoy and often use to help me focus is Show Me Your Glory by the Christian band Third Day. My favorite line says, "Show me your glory, send down your presence, I want to see your face." Yes, there are difficult days in this life, times when we as God's people struggle to understand but the glory of God is always present. The day is coming when it will be all consuming and we will never have to ask to be shown a glimpse, for we will stand in its midst. But until that day comes, my prayer remains, "show me your glory, send down your presence, I want to see your face." Amen!
RefRev
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
ReformedRev's Quote of the Day
"I used to ask God to help me. Then I asked if I might help him.
I ended up by asking him to do his work through me."
- James Hudson Taylor
I ended up by asking him to do his work through me."
- James Hudson Taylor
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Glory Above the Heavens
By Irene Herring (Mrs. ReformedRev)
Ever since I can remember, I have gotten up early to watch the sun rise. When I was growing up, I spent summers at my grandparents', who lived in eastern Kansas on a hill and land that stretched out and looked over the Kansas River. Eastern Kansas is not flat, and the view was split by a tree break that dipped to the south and a century old walnut tree that stood starkly in the middle of a hay field. In the summer, wind stirred through ripening wheat, meadowlarks called as the sun began to peak over the horizon. Sometimes deer would wander to the pond below their house. The colors of orange, gold, salmon and aqua that filled the horizon, even if for a short time, were the brush strokes of a painting created by the Almighty. There was something of peace and hope watching that pastoral scene unfold.
Every day that I watch the sun rise, I know that I have another day. Another day to praise God and rest in HIS hope.
In Psalm 113:3-4, the writer says this:
From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets,
Ever since I can remember, I have gotten up early to watch the sun rise. When I was growing up, I spent summers at my grandparents', who lived in eastern Kansas on a hill and land that stretched out and looked over the Kansas River. Eastern Kansas is not flat, and the view was split by a tree break that dipped to the south and a century old walnut tree that stood starkly in the middle of a hay field. In the summer, wind stirred through ripening wheat, meadowlarks called as the sun began to peak over the horizon. Sometimes deer would wander to the pond below their house. The colors of orange, gold, salmon and aqua that filled the horizon, even if for a short time, were the brush strokes of a painting created by the Almighty. There was something of peace and hope watching that pastoral scene unfold.
Every day that I watch the sun rise, I know that I have another day. Another day to praise God and rest in HIS hope.
In Psalm 113:3-4, the writer says this:
From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets,
the name of the LORD is to be praised.
4 The LORD is exalted over all the nations,
his glory above the heavens.
his glory above the heavens.
One version reads that the LORD is brighter than anything in the heavens, even the sun! My prayer for you today, dear reader is that you may find hope in the rising of the sun and that the praise of our God will be on your lips. May He give you a sunrise to watch and a personal beauty that gives the knowledge of the One who cares personally and intimately about you.
RefRev
RefRev
Saturday, May 21, 2011
ReformedRev's View of the Christian Faith
As a Reformed believer I hold this view; the final authority for my faith is the Bible--known as the Holy Scriptures, the Word of God. As the Apostle Paul shares in 2 Timothy 3:16 “All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.”
As a Reformed believer I believe that God is three in one--God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. These persons of the trinity are one in essence, essential in nature, in purpose, and in agreement. In other words God is only one being, not three. There is only one God! Deuteronomy 6:4-5 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.”
As a Reformed believer I hold a Reformed perspective regarding the work of Jesus Christ, seeing it as the centered of our understanding of the love and justice of God toward us. It is here we experience his atoning work, see John 3:16 and Romans 3:25. Through his death Christ died as a sacrifice for our sins. He died as a propitiation, to remove from us the wrath of God. In his death he reconciled us with God and redeemed us out of the bondage of sin.
As a Reformed believer I believe we are saved by the irresistible grace of God through faith alone, not by what we think or do to earn God's favor, see Ephesians 2: 1-10. Our good works don't earn our salvation, but are a way to thank God for this free gift of salvation.
As a Reformed believer I believe in the Reformed tradition of the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper. They remind us of God's promises and help us to claim those promises as our own. These sacraments are an outward sign of an inward act in the life of the believer.
As a Reformed believer I am confessional, which means I believe we have statements of belief, called creeds and confessions. These statements help to guide our understanding of faith and shape its practice.
As a Reformed believer I see the church as "Reformed and always reforming," seeking to know the mind of Christ as it strives to be faithful in a changing, complex, and often troubled world. The church must also be communal. “Christianity means community through Jesus Christ and in Jesus Christ. No Christian community is more or less than this.” - Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
As a Reformed believer I believe worship is corporate. Worship is not a performance with the minister as actor or actress and the congregation as the audience. God is the audience and the whole congregation is involved in the service, in prayers, songs, and offerings.
As a Reformed believer I believe worship is liturgical. The word "liturgy" means "the work of the people." Reformed worship is liturgical in the sense that our worship involves the whole people of God in the activity of worship. While traditions and styles may vary by congregation, worship is still the work of the people of God.
As a Reformed believer I believe worship is sacramental. When we celebrate the sacraments in worship we are reminded of God’s love, his righteousness, his promises, and our faith is awakened and renewed.
RefRev
RefRev
A Statement of Faith (ReformedRev)
I believe that God created the world and everything in it, including human beings, see Genesis 1:1-27. God created a perfect world. In the beginning, there was no sin--no hatred, and no death. But God also allowed humans to make their own choices.
The first humans, Adam and Eve, disobeyed God, allowing sin to enter God's perfect world. From then on, every human has been born with sinful desires that lead to separation from God; see Genesis 2 and Romans 5:12-17. However, I believe God loves his creation and the people in it. Because of his love he made a plan to take away our sin and resolve the conflict between himself and his creation, see John 3:16.
God sent his son, Jesus, into the world, fully human and fully divine. Jesus gave his life to pay the price for our sins, sins he didn't commit. Jesus accepted the punishment for our sins so that we don't have to. Three days after Jesus was crucified, God raised Jesus from the dead and brought him to life again, defeating the power of sin and death. Jesus lives today, eternally in heaven with God the Father. One day he will physically return to earth to put an end to sin, death, and pain--and renew all things. He will gather all who have believed in him from every time and place to live with him forever.
I believe our faith is founded in our understanding of God's love for us, demonstrated in the birth, life, ministry, death, resurrection, return of Jesus Christ, his son.
When we accept Jesus' sacrifice for us and commit our lives to following him, God sees us as if we had never sinned, perfect, the way we were first created to be. We cannot manufacture such faith on our own; it is the result of God's Spirit working within us.
RefRev
RefRev
ReformedRev's Quote of the Day
"As heat is opposed to cold, and light to darkness,
so grace is opposed to sin."
- Thomas Benton Brooks
so grace is opposed to sin."
- Thomas Benton Brooks
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Thou my best thought ...
What are you thinking? How many times have you been asked this question? On any given day my wife will ask me this at lease once ; often one of my daughters will, too. It seems to be a universal question we are all presented by the people around us. However, the real question might be: do you really want to know what I am thinking? Or maybe, is it safe fore me to tell you want I am thinking? It's no secret we all have thoughts we do not want to share with others.
Often during my day I ponder good thoughts of family, friends, events, places I have visited. However, what about my best thought, how often do I focus on it? In my favorite hymn these words are found, "Thou my best thought by day and by night ...". Many thoughts can fill my head but it is when I think of my Savior I find my greatest comfort. Christ who willingly gave himself for me, who died for my sins and made available the grace and mercy of God to me, this is my best thought. On this thought I will meditate and find peace during my busiest days and most restless nights. It is when I lose myself in the anxieties of the day, when I lose my focus on my best thought, it is then that I struggle to find sanity in a very confusing world.
The Psalmist says this: By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is within me - a prayer to the God of my life." Psalm 42:2 So may I never forget my best thought, may I never fail to focus on all he has brought into my life, the difficult as well as the easy. Day or Night, may I continue to acknowledge his love with awe and thankfulness and never fail to hear his song within me.
RefRev
Often during my day I ponder good thoughts of family, friends, events, places I have visited. However, what about my best thought, how often do I focus on it? In my favorite hymn these words are found, "Thou my best thought by day and by night ...". Many thoughts can fill my head but it is when I think of my Savior I find my greatest comfort. Christ who willingly gave himself for me, who died for my sins and made available the grace and mercy of God to me, this is my best thought. On this thought I will meditate and find peace during my busiest days and most restless nights. It is when I lose myself in the anxieties of the day, when I lose my focus on my best thought, it is then that I struggle to find sanity in a very confusing world.
The Psalmist says this: By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is within me - a prayer to the God of my life." Psalm 42:2 So may I never forget my best thought, may I never fail to focus on all he has brought into my life, the difficult as well as the easy. Day or Night, may I continue to acknowledge his love with awe and thankfulness and never fail to hear his song within me.
RefRev
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
ReformedRev's Quote of the Day
"To be another than I am, I must abandon that I am."
- Saint John Chrysostom
- Saint John Chrysostom
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
ReformedRev's Quote of the Day
" Reason's last step is the recognition that there are an
infinite number of things that are beyond it."
- Blaise Pascal
infinite number of things that are beyond it."
- Blaise Pascal
Monday, May 16, 2011
"... Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art."
"... Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art." Every time I read or sing these words I am reminded how nothing else matters outside my relationship with God because God is God ; he can be nothing more or nothing less. There is great comfort and security in this. I do not need God and something more to be complete nor do I need God and something less to understand my relationship with him. He is the great I AM of scripture, this is reality! He is God and everything else is less in comparison. He is I AM, now and forever, nothing can change this fact.
In his close encounter with God, Moses asked God what name he should use if the Israelites asked God's name. We find this response in Exodus 3:14: God said to Moses, "I AM who I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you." Nothing more, nothing less needed to be said. So let us all encourage each other to live everyday knowing we are in the presence of I AM. Let us live each day fully and with a sense of wonder, for the great I AM has revealed himself to us. As we acknowledge this, life becomes more than holy, it becomes a constant series of holy and wondrous moments that will culminate in a whole life. "...naught be all else to me, save that Thou art." Amen!
RefRev
In his close encounter with God, Moses asked God what name he should use if the Israelites asked God's name. We find this response in Exodus 3:14: God said to Moses, "I AM who I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you." Nothing more, nothing less needed to be said. So let us all encourage each other to live everyday knowing we are in the presence of I AM. Let us live each day fully and with a sense of wonder, for the great I AM has revealed himself to us. As we acknowledge this, life becomes more than holy, it becomes a constant series of holy and wondrous moments that will culminate in a whole life. "...naught be all else to me, save that Thou art." Amen!
RefRev
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Thursday, May 12, 2011
ReformedRev's Quote of the Day
"It is vanity to wish for a long life and
care little for a good life."
- Thomas A Kempis
care little for a good life."
- Thomas A Kempis
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Be Thou My Vision
Be Thou My Vision is my favorite hymn. It is an old Irish Celtic poem which was set to music. When I hear the opening words, Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart ... I think of my place in this world and how my faith as a Christian must also have a presence.
As a believer in Jesus Christ I am not asked to remove myself from involvement in the world around me. I have a physical presence in this world, with all its brokenness, but so does Christ through me. However, the vision I seek is that of Christ. He sees the brokenness in the world and in me. He understands how my vision of this world can become overwhelming and can sadden even the most resilient heart. Yet, the hymn calls for me to focus my vision on the spiritual reality of Jesus. His is the true and lasting vision of what is now and what is to come.
O Lord of My Heart ... Here is the filter that brings forth a true picture of my place and presence in this world. As Christ dwells in me, my heart, who I am in the depths my of soul is shaped and formed by his presence. Here is where I find understanding of my place and position in the world around me. My place is with him and because of this, my faith has a lasting position and influence on this world and all who inhabit it.
Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart ... My prayer today is that I may never forget these words, that I will always remember I am in the world but not of the world because my heart belongs to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen!
RefRev
As a believer in Jesus Christ I am not asked to remove myself from involvement in the world around me. I have a physical presence in this world, with all its brokenness, but so does Christ through me. However, the vision I seek is that of Christ. He sees the brokenness in the world and in me. He understands how my vision of this world can become overwhelming and can sadden even the most resilient heart. Yet, the hymn calls for me to focus my vision on the spiritual reality of Jesus. His is the true and lasting vision of what is now and what is to come.
O Lord of My Heart ... Here is the filter that brings forth a true picture of my place and presence in this world. As Christ dwells in me, my heart, who I am in the depths my of soul is shaped and formed by his presence. Here is where I find understanding of my place and position in the world around me. My place is with him and because of this, my faith has a lasting position and influence on this world and all who inhabit it.
Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart ... My prayer today is that I may never forget these words, that I will always remember I am in the world but not of the world because my heart belongs to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen!
RefRev
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
ReformedRev's Quote of the Day
"One of the best ways to demonstrate
God's love is to listen to people."
- Bruce Larsen
God's love is to listen to people."
- Bruce Larsen
Monday, May 9, 2011
Listen, Ponder, Speak
There is a a Kurdish proverb I repeat to myself in times of frustration, "Listen a hundred times; ponder a thousand times; speak once." It is very good advice that can be very hard to follow. We all want to be heard, we all want our opinions to be respected. But how important is it to listener and think before we speak?
Listen a hundred times, if I did that how much more successful would I be in my relationships with others? Ponder a thousand times, if I did that how much more would I be able to understand those around me? While these are great questions it is the last part of the proverb that strikes home for me: speak once!
Wow, sometimes I wonder if that is even possible. Speak once, what if I am angry or my feelings have been hurt? What is the other person is rude or won't stop talking? What if I am right and I know the other person is wrong. What if Oprah calls and asks me how I feel about the royal wedding? Speak once?
Too often I have engaged my tongue before my ears and mind have caught up, and I have paid for my folly. I have hurt others, caused misunderstandings, made folks angry or just been written off as rude and self-centered. Speak once, after thinking, after listening.
In the New Testament James says something very similar which I also repeat to myself often, "My dear brothers, take note of this; Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for a man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires." James 1:19-20
There it is again, quick to listen, slow to speak. Then James drives it home by pointing out that this will help us avoid anger and warns us that anger will not bring about the righteous life God desires. So when I work through all of this I come away with a proverb of my own:
Rev, be quick to listen, think about what is being said and keep it in context. Then respond in a concise manner, not out of anger, but in a way that honors God and the thoughts and feelings of others.
Now I believe that advice has success written all over it. Time will tell, I'll keep you posted.
RefRev
Listen a hundred times, if I did that how much more successful would I be in my relationships with others? Ponder a thousand times, if I did that how much more would I be able to understand those around me? While these are great questions it is the last part of the proverb that strikes home for me: speak once!
Wow, sometimes I wonder if that is even possible. Speak once, what if I am angry or my feelings have been hurt? What is the other person is rude or won't stop talking? What if I am right and I know the other person is wrong. What if Oprah calls and asks me how I feel about the royal wedding? Speak once?
Too often I have engaged my tongue before my ears and mind have caught up, and I have paid for my folly. I have hurt others, caused misunderstandings, made folks angry or just been written off as rude and self-centered. Speak once, after thinking, after listening.
In the New Testament James says something very similar which I also repeat to myself often, "My dear brothers, take note of this; Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for a man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires." James 1:19-20
There it is again, quick to listen, slow to speak. Then James drives it home by pointing out that this will help us avoid anger and warns us that anger will not bring about the righteous life God desires. So when I work through all of this I come away with a proverb of my own:
Rev, be quick to listen, think about what is being said and keep it in context. Then respond in a concise manner, not out of anger, but in a way that honors God and the thoughts and feelings of others.
Now I believe that advice has success written all over it. Time will tell, I'll keep you posted.
RefRev
Sunday, May 8, 2011
ReformedRev's Quote of the Day
"Little faith will bring your soul to heaven;
great faith will bring heaven to your soul."
- Charles Haddon Spurgeon
great faith will bring heaven to your soul."
- Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Friday, May 6, 2011
ReformedRev's Quote of the Day
" Prayer is the highest use to which
speech can be put."
- P.T. Forsyth
speech can be put."
- P.T. Forsyth
"The Enemy Will Not Meantime Be Idle."
"But of course the Enemy will not meantime be idle." So says the senior demon Screwtape to his nephew Wormwood referring to God and prayer. In his book, The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis shares the imaginative correspondences between these two demons, regarding how the junior tempter Wormwood, might lead his human astray.
Screwtape goes on to warn Wormwood, "Whenever there is prayer there is danger of His own immediate action." What a great point of instruction, even from a demon. Prayer moves God to act on behalf of his people. I believe God always responds to our prayers, always answers. I remind myself the answer might come in the form of immediate action, a delayed response, or even no, but there is always an answer.
Screwtape continues and reveals an even greater truth, "He is cynically indifferent to the dignity of His position, and ours, as pure spirits, and to human animals on their knees He pours out self-knowledge in a quite shameless fashion." The one true, all knowing and all powerful God, through prayer, interacts with his people with absolute abandon. God uses prayer to engage his people and share with them knowledge of Himself. He does so without contempt for their status as created beings.
In these lines Screwtape has shared with Wormwood his insight regarding the power of prayer but also his true lack of insight regarding is enemy, God. Yes, God is powerful and capable of immediate response to the prayers of his people but he is motivated to do so out of his concern for them. His love, his grace, and his mercy are the key components that bring about his response and here is where Screwtape's understanding fails.
So today let us find comfort and take hope in this: "Whenever there is prayer, there is danger of His own immediate action." God is never far from those who pray and he is never idle. He longs to pour out knowledge of himself to his people.
RefRev
Screwtape goes on to warn Wormwood, "Whenever there is prayer there is danger of His own immediate action." What a great point of instruction, even from a demon. Prayer moves God to act on behalf of his people. I believe God always responds to our prayers, always answers. I remind myself the answer might come in the form of immediate action, a delayed response, or even no, but there is always an answer.
Screwtape continues and reveals an even greater truth, "He is cynically indifferent to the dignity of His position, and ours, as pure spirits, and to human animals on their knees He pours out self-knowledge in a quite shameless fashion." The one true, all knowing and all powerful God, through prayer, interacts with his people with absolute abandon. God uses prayer to engage his people and share with them knowledge of Himself. He does so without contempt for their status as created beings.
In these lines Screwtape has shared with Wormwood his insight regarding the power of prayer but also his true lack of insight regarding is enemy, God. Yes, God is powerful and capable of immediate response to the prayers of his people but he is motivated to do so out of his concern for them. His love, his grace, and his mercy are the key components that bring about his response and here is where Screwtape's understanding fails.
So today let us find comfort and take hope in this: "Whenever there is prayer, there is danger of His own immediate action." God is never far from those who pray and he is never idle. He longs to pour out knowledge of himself to his people.
RefRev
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Thinking About Prayer
Today is set aside for a national day of prayer. A time for we the people to collectively recognize God in all his power and glory. To praise him and thank him for the many blessings he has poured out on this nation and its people. Truly, a day of reflection and thankfulness.
So today is also the day I would have to run into the one person who has to be the voice of reason, so they think. The one who wants to ask the "big" theological question, designed to rain on my day of celebration.
"If God is in charge and all knowing, why would he ever consider changing his mind because of prayer?"
At this point I am thinking "Really!" Why do you feel the need to ask me this question today? Then I realize it is a good question, even if it was asked with questionable intent. So I ask myself if this is a sign of confusion or weakness on God's part? The word no comes quickly to mind. The fact that an all powerful and gracious God alters his intentions due to the prayers of his people is not a sign of confusion or weakness. On the contrary, it is a sign of his omnipotence. When he chooses to yield to the petitions of his people, he shows his greatness.
The fact that God answers prayer shows that he is God. That he is engaged in the lives of his people and he listens to them. God, out of his grace, compels us to pray, to cry out in times of praise and in times of need. He responds because he hears our prayer, because he is God. So let us all be thankful and share the words of Psalmist:
" Hear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Guard my life, for I am devoted to you. You are my God; save your servant who trusts in you. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I call to you all day long. Bring joy to your servant, for you, O Lord, I lift up my soul." Psalm 86:1-4 Amen!
RefRev
So today is also the day I would have to run into the one person who has to be the voice of reason, so they think. The one who wants to ask the "big" theological question, designed to rain on my day of celebration.
"If God is in charge and all knowing, why would he ever consider changing his mind because of prayer?"
At this point I am thinking "Really!" Why do you feel the need to ask me this question today? Then I realize it is a good question, even if it was asked with questionable intent. So I ask myself if this is a sign of confusion or weakness on God's part? The word no comes quickly to mind. The fact that an all powerful and gracious God alters his intentions due to the prayers of his people is not a sign of confusion or weakness. On the contrary, it is a sign of his omnipotence. When he chooses to yield to the petitions of his people, he shows his greatness.
The fact that God answers prayer shows that he is God. That he is engaged in the lives of his people and he listens to them. God, out of his grace, compels us to pray, to cry out in times of praise and in times of need. He responds because he hears our prayer, because he is God. So let us all be thankful and share the words of Psalmist:
" Hear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Guard my life, for I am devoted to you. You are my God; save your servant who trusts in you. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I call to you all day long. Bring joy to your servant, for you, O Lord, I lift up my soul." Psalm 86:1-4 Amen!
RefRev
ReformedRev's Quote of the Day
"Christianity means community through Jesus Christ and in Jesus Christ. No
Christian community is more or less than this. Whether it be a brief, single
encounter or the daily fellowship of years, Christian community is only this.
We belong to one another only through and in Jesus Christ."
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Christian community is more or less than this. Whether it be a brief, single
encounter or the daily fellowship of years, Christian community is only this.
We belong to one another only through and in Jesus Christ."
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
ReformedRev's Quote of the Day
"First keep the peace within yourself, then
you can also bring peace to others."
- Thomas A Kempis
you can also bring peace to others."
- Thomas A Kempis
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
ReformedRev's Quote of the Day
"Come, Holy Ghost, for moved by thee
The prophets wrote and spoke;
Unlock the truth, thyself the key,
Unseal the sacred book."
- John Calvin
The prophets wrote and spoke;
Unlock the truth, thyself the key,
Unseal the sacred book."
- John Calvin
Monday, May 2, 2011
Powerful Words
One of my favorite books is The Pilgrims Progress by John Bunyan. I love the story with all its wonderful characters, the good ones and even the not so good ones. When I read it, I am always amazed at how it captures my thoughts.
Early in the story there is a discussion between Christian and two of his neighbors, Obstinate and Pliable. Christian is trying to convince Pliable to accompany him on his journey. Obstinate seeks a different out come; he is trying to get Pliable to return with him to the City of Destruction, the home town of all three.
As the story continues, Christian and Obstinate are in a verbal tug-of-war, in a sense, for the soul of Pliable. It is here Christian delivers a very powerful statement. As he is speaking to Pliable Christian says, "Come with me neighbor Pliable, there are such things to be had which I have spoke of, and many more glories besides. If you believe not me, read here in this book; and for the truth of what is expressed therein, behold, all is confirmed by the blood of him that made it."
Wow! Here friend you can read it for yourself in the Bible. And by the way, all that is expressed here is confirmed, guaranteed, by the sacrifice and shedding of the blood of the Author. He believed in the story so much he gave His life for it, and for those who would read it and believe.
Powerful words from a truly powerful story. I often think of those words "behold, all is confirmed by the blood of Him that made it." So as I go about my day, I will think of Christian's words to Pliable and I will apply them to myself. Relax Rev, all is confirmed by the blood of Him that made it. For I have read the book that Christian references and I know how both stories end. Amen!
RefRev
Early in the story there is a discussion between Christian and two of his neighbors, Obstinate and Pliable. Christian is trying to convince Pliable to accompany him on his journey. Obstinate seeks a different out come; he is trying to get Pliable to return with him to the City of Destruction, the home town of all three.
As the story continues, Christian and Obstinate are in a verbal tug-of-war, in a sense, for the soul of Pliable. It is here Christian delivers a very powerful statement. As he is speaking to Pliable Christian says, "Come with me neighbor Pliable, there are such things to be had which I have spoke of, and many more glories besides. If you believe not me, read here in this book; and for the truth of what is expressed therein, behold, all is confirmed by the blood of him that made it."
Wow! Here friend you can read it for yourself in the Bible. And by the way, all that is expressed here is confirmed, guaranteed, by the sacrifice and shedding of the blood of the Author. He believed in the story so much he gave His life for it, and for those who would read it and believe.
Powerful words from a truly powerful story. I often think of those words "behold, all is confirmed by the blood of Him that made it." So as I go about my day, I will think of Christian's words to Pliable and I will apply them to myself. Relax Rev, all is confirmed by the blood of Him that made it. For I have read the book that Christian references and I know how both stories end. Amen!
RefRev
ReformedRev's Quote of the Day
"Holiness is not the end of progress,
but deliverance from standing still."
- G. Campbell Morgan
but deliverance from standing still."
- G. Campbell Morgan
Sunday, May 1, 2011
I Like to Read!
I like to read! Really! It is one of the things I truly enjoy doing. I especially like biographies, life accounts, inspiring stories of men and women who succeed at overcoming great difficulties in their lives. I have read accounts of all types, from Luther to Lindbergh, Eisenhower to Einstein, Grant to Gandhi.
However, my favorite life account is found in the Gospel of Mark. Jesus never wrote a book, gave press interviews, formed an Army, or gave leadership seminars. He did not go on the late night talk show circuit or seek out a nitch audience for his info-commercial . What he did do was gather a small group of people together and inspired them with a unique message. A message that spoke of a better way to live their lives, a message of acceptance, forgiveness, community, and hope.
Today we are still sharing his message, it calls us to draw close to him, for the kingdom of God is near.
"The time has come," he said, "The kingdom of God is near.
Repent and believe the good new! Mark 1:15 (NIV)
RefRev
However, my favorite life account is found in the Gospel of Mark. Jesus never wrote a book, gave press interviews, formed an Army, or gave leadership seminars. He did not go on the late night talk show circuit or seek out a nitch audience for his info-commercial . What he did do was gather a small group of people together and inspired them with a unique message. A message that spoke of a better way to live their lives, a message of acceptance, forgiveness, community, and hope.
Today we are still sharing his message, it calls us to draw close to him, for the kingdom of God is near.
"The time has come," he said, "The kingdom of God is near.
Repent and believe the good new! Mark 1:15 (NIV)
RefRev
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