Normally you hear, "Monday morning blues" from people as they drag themselves back into their offices and places of employment. But do Mondays have to be lived on this low level? Does any day have to be looked at in the negative?
Genesis 39:20 Then Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were confined. And he was there in the prison. 21 But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. 22 And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners who were in the prison; whatever they did there, it was his doing. 23 The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph’s authority, because the LORD was with him; and whatever he did, the LORD made it prosper.
Joseph reminds me of the attitude I should have to life. He is mistreated. Lied about to his face. Thrown in prison, although he has done nothing deserving of the punishment. And yet, in a short time he is at the top of his game. How does he do this?
I think the answer is found in the twenty-three verse, "because the LORD was with him; and whatever he did, the LORD made it prosper." Joseph just knew the Lord was with him all the time. He lived beyond his circumstances that he physically saw and lived in a world of belief that he saw only by faith. I believe every day he started the day with the firm understanding there is a God on the Throne and He cares for me.
His attitude of his life, being like a series of "Mondays", never stopped him from living with power and passion. He saw everything as a "God thing". He lived as he believed!
At the end of Genesis, Joesph buries his father. His brothers are afraid that now he may kill them for all they did against him now that his dad is dead. His answer to them is why this man advanced in the Kingdom of God. Genesis 50:19 Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? 20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. 21 Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.”
May we live as Joesph! May we look at our Mondays as a time to live for our God.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Heaven
To think high thoughts one's mind moves to Heaven, the place where God dwells! To understand the earth we are on it must be in contrast with the world we do not see. What we do not see is more important than what we do see.
Psalms 11:4 The LORD is in His holy temple,
The LORD’s throne is in heaven;
His eyes behold,
His eyelids test the sons of men.
5 The LORD tests the righteous,
But the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates.
God's heaven is a holy place. His throne is the seat of all authority and power. If a decree leaves from His heaven than no man or angel will stop it. It shall be accomplished according to His word.
As believers, our desire should be to find the mind of our Lord. The Lord of heaven and earth is LORD. His will is key to finding why events are working out as they are.
Today, I heard a message on the infinity of time in heaven. If we live there 10,000 years, infinity has not yet begun. Time has no meaning when we live in infinity. We are going to never end learning to love our Lord and Saviour. For all eternity we will be given opportunity to worship our Lord.
If God brought a person that did not fully love Him into heaven for all eternity, it would be hell for that person. Only those who desire the LORD because and through the gift of the Son will enjoy all eternity coming to know God. To a saint there can be nothing better. Nothing higher! Ahhhhhhhhhh, Heaven!
Psalms 11:4 The LORD is in His holy temple,
The LORD’s throne is in heaven;
His eyes behold,
His eyelids test the sons of men.
5 The LORD tests the righteous,
But the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates.
God's heaven is a holy place. His throne is the seat of all authority and power. If a decree leaves from His heaven than no man or angel will stop it. It shall be accomplished according to His word.
As believers, our desire should be to find the mind of our Lord. The Lord of heaven and earth is LORD. His will is key to finding why events are working out as they are.
Today, I heard a message on the infinity of time in heaven. If we live there 10,000 years, infinity has not yet begun. Time has no meaning when we live in infinity. We are going to never end learning to love our Lord and Saviour. For all eternity we will be given opportunity to worship our Lord.
If God brought a person that did not fully love Him into heaven for all eternity, it would be hell for that person. Only those who desire the LORD because and through the gift of the Son will enjoy all eternity coming to know God. To a saint there can be nothing better. Nothing higher! Ahhhhhhhhhh, Heaven!
Friday, October 26, 2007
Grandchildren, The Reward of Parenting
My three year old grandson, Uriah, is over for a visit. He's just the sweetest. His little voice is so clear and precise. His smile make me smile just to see it. I've missed him.
Grandchildren are the reward of parenting. Parenting is HARD WORK. If you meet someone with a child in their teenage years, you can know they have been through many unexpected challenges. Parenting is difficult because there are so many decisions you must make in which you have no clear answer. To raise a child up before the Lord in this present day society is a challenge to say the least. Children are a gift you must unwrap.
Grandchild just seem to arrive. They stay at someone else's home until they are clean and ready to come visit. When they come over they seem to be excited about you and your home. They leave before you or them get too tired. They give you big hugs and many kisses for just being grampa. They stay away for a while till your heart is longing to see them again. Grandchildren are a gift!
When I think of church planting, I think of children and grandchildren. To plant a church from the "mother" church takes a lot of work, time and expense. It takes hours of energy and commitment but if done well a new day will arrive, the birth of a grandchild. You will find you will need alot less personal involvement but still receive the joy of seeing everything come together.
Do you want to have grandchildren? First you MUST have children! Do you want to see a church movement? You must first plant YOUR share of churches. The real reward will come when they take the responsiblity of planting their own churches.
Almost every grandparent I meet tells me of the joy of the grandkids. It is true! They are a joy! The secret is to have lots of good, healthy, loving children and you will have great potential to have lots of grandchildren!
Deuteronomy 4:9 Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren,...
Grandchildren are the reward of parenting. Parenting is HARD WORK. If you meet someone with a child in their teenage years, you can know they have been through many unexpected challenges. Parenting is difficult because there are so many decisions you must make in which you have no clear answer. To raise a child up before the Lord in this present day society is a challenge to say the least. Children are a gift you must unwrap.
Grandchild just seem to arrive. They stay at someone else's home until they are clean and ready to come visit. When they come over they seem to be excited about you and your home. They leave before you or them get too tired. They give you big hugs and many kisses for just being grampa. They stay away for a while till your heart is longing to see them again. Grandchildren are a gift!
When I think of church planting, I think of children and grandchildren. To plant a church from the "mother" church takes a lot of work, time and expense. It takes hours of energy and commitment but if done well a new day will arrive, the birth of a grandchild. You will find you will need alot less personal involvement but still receive the joy of seeing everything come together.
Do you want to have grandchildren? First you MUST have children! Do you want to see a church movement? You must first plant YOUR share of churches. The real reward will come when they take the responsiblity of planting their own churches.
Almost every grandparent I meet tells me of the joy of the grandkids. It is true! They are a joy! The secret is to have lots of good, healthy, loving children and you will have great potential to have lots of grandchildren!
Deuteronomy 4:9 Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren,...
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Time
Time is so fleeting. It seems as if I grew up, got married, had kids and am now a grandfather again for the fourth time! Wow, time goes quickly.
Time an extremely value gift given to us by the Lord to use in a manner than is wise.
Romans 13:11 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy.
How we live out our given time on this planet is critcal to making a difference in the Kingdom. God wants us to value our time. We are to cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light.
Time is so important that if a person commits a crime we put them in a prision to take away their free time. We use up or waste a person's time as punishment for their sin. When Satan tempts us to spend our days "locked up" we are wasting precious hours to worship our Lord.
Many will ask you for your time. They are asking for your life. Time is the great equalizer, all people have 24 hours a day to choose and live out life. We must learn to say "yes" to things we know are important and "no" to the things that are not.
Christian, the one advantage we have over the people of the earth is our time is never lasting. It will go forever and ever. We should tell others about this ever lasting life that has been freely given to us! Wow!!
Time an extremely value gift given to us by the Lord to use in a manner than is wise.
Romans 13:11 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy.
How we live out our given time on this planet is critcal to making a difference in the Kingdom. God wants us to value our time. We are to cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light.
Time is so important that if a person commits a crime we put them in a prision to take away their free time. We use up or waste a person's time as punishment for their sin. When Satan tempts us to spend our days "locked up" we are wasting precious hours to worship our Lord.
Many will ask you for your time. They are asking for your life. Time is the great equalizer, all people have 24 hours a day to choose and live out life. We must learn to say "yes" to things we know are important and "no" to the things that are not.
Christian, the one advantage we have over the people of the earth is our time is never lasting. It will go forever and ever. We should tell others about this ever lasting life that has been freely given to us! Wow!!
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
My friend, Paul
My friend, Paul Johnson, has a daily verse for his youth church called ROOTS. This is his post today. I thought it would be good for us to look at also.
My enemies surround me like a pack of dogs;
an evil gang closes in on me.
They've pierced my hands and feet.
I can count all my bones.
My enemies stare at me and gloat.
They divide my garments among themselves
and throw dice for my clothing. Psalm 22:16-18
Today I'll use these words to imagine, Father.
To imagine Jesus on the cross, suffering.
A slow death, no one in a hurry.
Relentless pain.
Raw evil, hatred winning.
That's what this song, this prayer-poem, says to me.
Father, it is amazing.
This was written 1000 years before Jesus.
Yet it is his life, his cross, his suffering.
Imagine the people he sees from the cross.
Oh, what hatred surrounds him!
They're pit bulls, circling, attacking.
They taunt him, as he hangs there.
He is so helpless, they're so cruel.
They've stripped him naked, they gamble for his clothes.
They party while he twists in pain.
Imagine how he looks at himself.
His ribs showing.
His body with ribbons of skin hanging down.
His hands ripping, dripping red.
His feet bloody, oozing.
Every cell screaming with sensation.
Father?
This is your answer to my sin.
This is a friend, laying down his life for me.
This is love!
Nothing today is as important as this, Father.
Help me imagine this, picture this today.
Help me slow down, ponder.
Help me worship Jesus.
Who let his hands be pierced.
Let his enemies party.
Let his feet be nailed.
Let himself be brutalized, murdered.
For me.
For forgiveness of my sins.
For love.
I worship you today, Jesus.
I love you, Jesus.
Amen.
My enemies surround me like a pack of dogs;
an evil gang closes in on me.
They've pierced my hands and feet.
I can count all my bones.
My enemies stare at me and gloat.
They divide my garments among themselves
and throw dice for my clothing. Psalm 22:16-18
Today I'll use these words to imagine, Father.
To imagine Jesus on the cross, suffering.
A slow death, no one in a hurry.
Relentless pain.
Raw evil, hatred winning.
That's what this song, this prayer-poem, says to me.
Father, it is amazing.
This was written 1000 years before Jesus.
Yet it is his life, his cross, his suffering.
Imagine the people he sees from the cross.
Oh, what hatred surrounds him!
They're pit bulls, circling, attacking.
They taunt him, as he hangs there.
He is so helpless, they're so cruel.
They've stripped him naked, they gamble for his clothes.
They party while he twists in pain.
Imagine how he looks at himself.
His ribs showing.
His body with ribbons of skin hanging down.
His hands ripping, dripping red.
His feet bloody, oozing.
Every cell screaming with sensation.
Father?
This is your answer to my sin.
This is a friend, laying down his life for me.
This is love!
Nothing today is as important as this, Father.
Help me imagine this, picture this today.
Help me slow down, ponder.
Help me worship Jesus.
Who let his hands be pierced.
Let his enemies party.
Let his feet be nailed.
Let himself be brutalized, murdered.
For me.
For forgiveness of my sins.
For love.
I worship you today, Jesus.
I love you, Jesus.
Amen.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Marriage Practice Ceremony
Tonight, I had to take a young couple through a wedding practice. They are being married at the end of the month. The practice ceremony is a great picture of Christ and the Church.
Ephesians 5:22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.
Can there be a greater sign of love than a bride and groom in the freshness of the wedding ceremony? What a great picture of Christ and His bride, the church.
The day is coming when the Groom comes and receives His bride. He in all His glory and she in all her beauty. The angels will stand in awe of the perfection of the moment. As the bride enters, the husband reaches out with His nail scarred hands. As she embraces Him, tears of love freely flow down her cheeks as she realizes and remembers the cost He paid for her to be there. He is her Redeemer, her Lover and Friend.
As they forever unite in heavenly covenant, the Father smiles on and pronounces in victory! "This is my Beloved Son and His Bride, in whom I am well pleased! Come and reign with Me in and throughout the kingdom of God!"
Church, may we live as the Bride of Christ. May we treat our marriages as examples of the age to come. May we love each other as husbands and wives because something bigger than us is on display!
Ephesians 5:22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.
Can there be a greater sign of love than a bride and groom in the freshness of the wedding ceremony? What a great picture of Christ and His bride, the church.
The day is coming when the Groom comes and receives His bride. He in all His glory and she in all her beauty. The angels will stand in awe of the perfection of the moment. As the bride enters, the husband reaches out with His nail scarred hands. As she embraces Him, tears of love freely flow down her cheeks as she realizes and remembers the cost He paid for her to be there. He is her Redeemer, her Lover and Friend.
As they forever unite in heavenly covenant, the Father smiles on and pronounces in victory! "This is my Beloved Son and His Bride, in whom I am well pleased! Come and reign with Me in and throughout the kingdom of God!"
Church, may we live as the Bride of Christ. May we treat our marriages as examples of the age to come. May we love each other as husbands and wives because something bigger than us is on display!
Sunday, October 21, 2007
What A Sunday!
Ahhhh, the Lord's Spirit was in the room this morning during the worship service! Joy, celebration, tears, conviction, power, worship, impact, testimonies, repentance, acceptance, honour, and rest!
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Ready for Death
The other day my insurance salesman came over to visit me. He wanted to update me on the strength and weaknesses of my policy with his company. If I died what would happen to the care of my wife, Wanda.
Deuteronomy 8:17-19
17 then you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.’ 18 “And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.
God told His people a clear statement of where wealth comes from. It comes from God Himself. He can give it and He can remove it. When we understand this it helps us stay calm about situations in our lives. God is truely in charge.
God wants us to have wealth. He is only opposed to us saying, "we did it!" The song that goes the furtherest away from the truth of this scripture is by old "blue eyes" and made popular by Elvis Presley, "I've Done It My Way". God wants us to be responsible with the resources He gives us but not believe we did it on our own. We are NOT to believe it was just our smarts, our wisdom.
Wealth is suppose to bring limited security to us. God wants us to know that He brings us ultimate seurity. Often God is replaced by wealth in our lives.
My insurance man is a believer, he understands to keep this insurance thing in its proper place. They are ways we can be responsible with wealth but should not be the place where we find our peace. God can always say to us as builders of false security, “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. 17 And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ 18 So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.”’ 20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ 21 “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”
Wealth can deceive us into thinking, I have some wealth so things are okay. Is my assurance found in Christ? Remember, the only way to collect an insurance policy is to DIE. Are we ready to collect?
Deuteronomy 8:17-19
17 then you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.’ 18 “And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.
God told His people a clear statement of where wealth comes from. It comes from God Himself. He can give it and He can remove it. When we understand this it helps us stay calm about situations in our lives. God is truely in charge.
God wants us to have wealth. He is only opposed to us saying, "we did it!" The song that goes the furtherest away from the truth of this scripture is by old "blue eyes" and made popular by Elvis Presley, "I've Done It My Way". God wants us to be responsible with the resources He gives us but not believe we did it on our own. We are NOT to believe it was just our smarts, our wisdom.
Wealth is suppose to bring limited security to us. God wants us to know that He brings us ultimate seurity. Often God is replaced by wealth in our lives.
My insurance man is a believer, he understands to keep this insurance thing in its proper place. They are ways we can be responsible with wealth but should not be the place where we find our peace. God can always say to us as builders of false security, “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. 17 And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ 18 So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.”’ 20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ 21 “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”
Wealth can deceive us into thinking, I have some wealth so things are okay. Is my assurance found in Christ? Remember, the only way to collect an insurance policy is to DIE. Are we ready to collect?
Friday, October 19, 2007
The Market Place
Today I was helping a friend with his business. We were setting up for a trade show in a local Trade Complex. When the doors opened in came hundreds of people.
Acts 17:17 Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile worshipers, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there.
The marketplace is an excellent place to engage the "real" world. The one outside the safety of the church. The place where people to not have the same opinion or view about life that you may have. A place where you will be challenged.
Many Christians fear the marketplace. We hide behind "prayer meetings" and "church meetings" often talking about our desire for the lost to come to know Christ but too scared to go out and find them. What will it take for the church to be the church? Advancing against the tide of the land?
I met a lady in the marketplace and told her about my faith. I spoke with another lady next door to our booth. Do you know what? Neither killed me,...hurt me,...even laughed at me. Nothing scary happened. They listened, smiled and accepted my thoughts,...not my Christ but my thoughts.
In Canada, it is a place where we can "safely" engage people in the marketplace with little concern to our personal health. Why are we scared? Maybe these fears are unreal?
Acts 17:17 Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile worshipers, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there.
The marketplace is an excellent place to engage the "real" world. The one outside the safety of the church. The place where people to not have the same opinion or view about life that you may have. A place where you will be challenged.
Many Christians fear the marketplace. We hide behind "prayer meetings" and "church meetings" often talking about our desire for the lost to come to know Christ but too scared to go out and find them. What will it take for the church to be the church? Advancing against the tide of the land?
I met a lady in the marketplace and told her about my faith. I spoke with another lady next door to our booth. Do you know what? Neither killed me,...hurt me,...even laughed at me. Nothing scary happened. They listened, smiled and accepted my thoughts,...not my Christ but my thoughts.
In Canada, it is a place where we can "safely" engage people in the marketplace with little concern to our personal health. Why are we scared? Maybe these fears are unreal?
Thursday, October 18, 2007
12 Minutes Ago,...LIFE!
Twelve minutes ago I received a phone call from my son-in-law Adam! This is the phone call Wanda and I have been waiting for. Adam is married to our only daughter, Sharon. Sharon is past due!
"Hello,...dad? This is your son."
"Yes, hello."
"You are a grampa!"
"Oooooooooooooooo!"
"Sharon just had a baby girl!"
"What's her name?"
"Summer"
"Let's pray and thank our God!" As we prayed over the phone together in praise to our God, I could say again, thank You for being a God of LIFE!
I'm a grampa! I'm a grampa! This is the fourth time I have expressed these words. Is there anything better? I'm a grampa! Why it took twelve minutes to Blog this is, is I had to go tell gramma! Tears of joy welled up in Wanda's eyes to hear the news, "Our baby has had a baby!"
Jesus said in John 16:21 A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.
These words of the LORD are so true. In a short time I will be able to speak with Sharon. Ask her all the questions I should have asked Adam, like, How much does she weigh? Is she healthy? How's mom doing? And like the time of her first child, Damein, soon the pain is forgotten and the joy of the life is only remembered.
For life to be birthed it takes a lot to go through the pain, the anguish but at the end, ...LIFE! What a great picture of the salvation of the human spirit. It took great anguish by our Christ to birth us new into the Kingdom of God. He, like a new mother, forgets the pain and focuses on the joy of the new babies that are His!
"God, thank You for today! Thank You for watching over my daughter through this difficult time. Thank You for delivering to us a new grand daughter! Thank You for the gift of life! O LORD, thank You for my family. Thank You! Thank You!! Thank YOU!!!"
"Hello,...dad? This is your son."
"Yes, hello."
"You are a grampa!"
"Oooooooooooooooo!"
"Sharon just had a baby girl!"
"What's her name?"
"Summer"
"Let's pray and thank our God!" As we prayed over the phone together in praise to our God, I could say again, thank You for being a God of LIFE!
I'm a grampa! I'm a grampa! This is the fourth time I have expressed these words. Is there anything better? I'm a grampa! Why it took twelve minutes to Blog this is, is I had to go tell gramma! Tears of joy welled up in Wanda's eyes to hear the news, "Our baby has had a baby!"
Jesus said in John 16:21 A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.
These words of the LORD are so true. In a short time I will be able to speak with Sharon. Ask her all the questions I should have asked Adam, like, How much does she weigh? Is she healthy? How's mom doing? And like the time of her first child, Damein, soon the pain is forgotten and the joy of the life is only remembered.
For life to be birthed it takes a lot to go through the pain, the anguish but at the end, ...LIFE! What a great picture of the salvation of the human spirit. It took great anguish by our Christ to birth us new into the Kingdom of God. He, like a new mother, forgets the pain and focuses on the joy of the new babies that are His!
"God, thank You for today! Thank You for watching over my daughter through this difficult time. Thank You for delivering to us a new grand daughter! Thank You for the gift of life! O LORD, thank You for my family. Thank You! Thank You!! Thank YOU!!!"
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
New Creation
In six days the LORD created the heavens and the earth. The power to create is beyond understanding. With the Word He formed the physical elements. Then He rested.
4000 years later the Christ is born. As a man He lives out life as life was meant to be. Without one sin He conquers death, the separation of God and man. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us!
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
God the Son created one last time. At the cross and by the resurrection, man is born again. Made a new creature. We have become new in Christ. We have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.
To secure this great gift of grace we must be willing to repent, turn from our sin, and place your heart and trust in the finished work of the cross. It is only through Christ a person will see life.
Today, a man visited me in my office. As I presented the gospel to him it became obvious he was being touched by the Lord. A new creation was happening right before my eyes. With a bowing of our heads he received the greatest Treasure of man. Forever transformed, forever changed, never to be the same. A new creation! Praise the LORD!
Child of God, you are special to your LORD. He made you fresh and clean to come into His presence again. What a privilegde to be called, "Christian". May we live with a sense of victory and strength because our God has made us new and as righteous as God Himself! For He gave us His own righteousness as a gift from above. O what love the Father has bestowed on us that we should be called the children of God!
Sing for joy, Christian! Sing for joy!
4000 years later the Christ is born. As a man He lives out life as life was meant to be. Without one sin He conquers death, the separation of God and man. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us!
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
God the Son created one last time. At the cross and by the resurrection, man is born again. Made a new creature. We have become new in Christ. We have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.
To secure this great gift of grace we must be willing to repent, turn from our sin, and place your heart and trust in the finished work of the cross. It is only through Christ a person will see life.
Today, a man visited me in my office. As I presented the gospel to him it became obvious he was being touched by the Lord. A new creation was happening right before my eyes. With a bowing of our heads he received the greatest Treasure of man. Forever transformed, forever changed, never to be the same. A new creation! Praise the LORD!
Child of God, you are special to your LORD. He made you fresh and clean to come into His presence again. What a privilegde to be called, "Christian". May we live with a sense of victory and strength because our God has made us new and as righteous as God Himself! For He gave us His own righteousness as a gift from above. O what love the Father has bestowed on us that we should be called the children of God!
Sing for joy, Christian! Sing for joy!
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
The Church Family's Joy
I belong to a great church body. I think few churches operate with the quality of love and care Royal Heights has for each other. On any given Sunday people are standing around chatting up a storm at our own Lion's Den coffee shop.
Acts 2:46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
One young man in the church just started a ministry where he provides a hot grill every week after the church service so people can come together for a quick lunch. Just bring your own steak and potatoe and he's got the grill. Another lady is collecting resources to gather blankets and toques for the homeless when it gets cold. People preparing for the joy of doing church family stuff together. There is a lot of laughter here!
I visited a couple today and both gave their hearts to the Lord! I brought this news back to the church body. People cheered and celebrated what the Lord was doing. They brought this information to their staff meeting. They cheered and celebrated again! The joy of body life.
The verse says,..."and the Lord added to the church daily..." I believe God loves a church that loves. He freely gives the souls of men to churches who desire to care and develop them. He's giving them to Royal Heights.
I went to my evening HOME Group tonight and shared about the two that came to Christ today. They cheered and celebrated in the goodness of God. I love being in this church. It's real. It's caring. It's the genuine article.
Acts 2:46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
One young man in the church just started a ministry where he provides a hot grill every week after the church service so people can come together for a quick lunch. Just bring your own steak and potatoe and he's got the grill. Another lady is collecting resources to gather blankets and toques for the homeless when it gets cold. People preparing for the joy of doing church family stuff together. There is a lot of laughter here!
I visited a couple today and both gave their hearts to the Lord! I brought this news back to the church body. People cheered and celebrated what the Lord was doing. They brought this information to their staff meeting. They cheered and celebrated again! The joy of body life.
The verse says,..."and the Lord added to the church daily..." I believe God loves a church that loves. He freely gives the souls of men to churches who desire to care and develop them. He's giving them to Royal Heights.
I went to my evening HOME Group tonight and shared about the two that came to Christ today. They cheered and celebrated in the goodness of God. I love being in this church. It's real. It's caring. It's the genuine article.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Worship
This past weekend our worship team had the opportunity to go to training in the Vancouver area. They each came back from the conference pumped! They were excited to be a part of those who bring the worship to the body of Christ.
Nehemiah 8:5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. 6 And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. Then all the people answered, “Amen, Amen!” while lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. 7 Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, helped the people to understand the Law; and the people stood in their place.
God has always singled out people from His people to prompt them to worship. It is such an important role in developing a healthy church. I am so proud of our worship team at Royal Heights.
I wrote a song. I also want to be one (although I have no voice) who leads God's people in the worship of Him. My song comes from the study of Ephesians chapter one:
To The Praise Of His Glory
By Alan Braun - November 28, 1997
Blessed with every spiritual blessing
Chosen before the beginning of time
We are holy and blameless coming before Him
Hearing His words, “you are Mine”
To the praise of His glory
Chorus:
To the praise of His glory
To the praise of His love
To the praise of His glory
To the praise of the Son above
To the praise of His glory
Adopted as Sons in the beloved
According to His good pleasure
He redeemed us through the blood of the Son
Called in love and brought together as one
To the praise of His glory
In Him we have riches untold
As He seeks to rescue all who are lost
With wisdom, power and strength so great
They all come together at the foot of the cross
To the praise of His glory
Nehemiah 8:5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. 6 And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. Then all the people answered, “Amen, Amen!” while lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. 7 Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, helped the people to understand the Law; and the people stood in their place.
God has always singled out people from His people to prompt them to worship. It is such an important role in developing a healthy church. I am so proud of our worship team at Royal Heights.
I wrote a song. I also want to be one (although I have no voice) who leads God's people in the worship of Him. My song comes from the study of Ephesians chapter one:
To The Praise Of His Glory
By Alan Braun - November 28, 1997
Blessed with every spiritual blessing
Chosen before the beginning of time
We are holy and blameless coming before Him
Hearing His words, “you are Mine”
To the praise of His glory
Chorus:
To the praise of His glory
To the praise of His love
To the praise of His glory
To the praise of the Son above
To the praise of His glory
Adopted as Sons in the beloved
According to His good pleasure
He redeemed us through the blood of the Son
Called in love and brought together as one
To the praise of His glory
In Him we have riches untold
As He seeks to rescue all who are lost
With wisdom, power and strength so great
They all come together at the foot of the cross
To the praise of His glory
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Baptisms
This morning in church we baptized a young man who gave his life to Christ two weeks earlier. He had invted his family and friends to watch as he bore witness of his relationship with Christ. It was a moving time. Joy and a sense of seriousness as he enters the arena of building the kingdom.
Acts 11:18 When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.”
From the early days of Gentiles being accepted into this "new" faith til today, 2000 years later, God is still at work. God's kingdom is a powerful kingdom, silently and relentlessly winning soul after soul into His presence. The Truth marches on!
Later in the evening someone called and asked, "How do you lead people to Christ?" We are going for coffee at 10PM to learn together the keys to the Kingdom. A preacher could not want anything better than a person showing interest in the ways of the Spirit.
At the end of the morning worship a man and his wife walked forward. With tears streaming down her face, arm in arm, he said, "I'm ready!"
"Ready for what?" I asked.
"Ready to follow the LORD".
"Are you ready to give your life to Christ and follow Him in baptism?"
"Yes!"
Next week we will baptize this new disciple of Christ! The Kingdom of God working, transforming, impacting and forever moving onward! To God be the glory!
Acts 11:18 When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.”
From the early days of Gentiles being accepted into this "new" faith til today, 2000 years later, God is still at work. God's kingdom is a powerful kingdom, silently and relentlessly winning soul after soul into His presence. The Truth marches on!
Later in the evening someone called and asked, "How do you lead people to Christ?" We are going for coffee at 10PM to learn together the keys to the Kingdom. A preacher could not want anything better than a person showing interest in the ways of the Spirit.
At the end of the morning worship a man and his wife walked forward. With tears streaming down her face, arm in arm, he said, "I'm ready!"
"Ready for what?" I asked.
"Ready to follow the LORD".
"Are you ready to give your life to Christ and follow Him in baptism?"
"Yes!"
Next week we will baptize this new disciple of Christ! The Kingdom of God working, transforming, impacting and forever moving onward! To God be the glory!
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Suffering
Hebrews 11: 32b For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: 33 who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. 35 Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. 36 Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented— 38 of whom the world was not worthy.
This is an amazing verse. As I read it it moves my whole being. The courage of those who walked before us, as believers. The sufferings of Christianity would be overwhelmning if we could take it all in.
God, You are worthy to receive all power, honour and praise. You are worthy to have us go through these experiences. LORD God Almighty, I love you! AMEN
May we always honour the saints that have gone on before us!
This is an amazing verse. As I read it it moves my whole being. The courage of those who walked before us, as believers. The sufferings of Christianity would be overwhelmning if we could take it all in.
God, You are worthy to receive all power, honour and praise. You are worthy to have us go through these experiences. LORD God Almighty, I love you! AMEN
May we always honour the saints that have gone on before us!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
The MAIN Thing
Jesus was out witnessing one day. The outcome was that a city wide revival broke out! Jesus had the ability to always prioritize and keep the main thing the main thing. He was not side tracked with the multitude of problems that came His way. He focused. He focused His team, His walk and His heart. If you summed up His life it would be, "I come to seek and save the lost!"
Simple, powerful and clear!
John 4:34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. 35 Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! 36 And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together."
Jesus knew without the message from God that all men must repent and put their trust in Him alone, they would be forever lost. This drove Him to leave the crowd of apathy and go into the crowd lostness.
The sea of lostness. He went fishing and taught others to do the same. He was a Fisherman who taught people how to fish. And He was good at it.
Our task is to bring the lost to safety of the cross. Our task is to seek and safe the lost. Our "Main Thing" has NOT changed for over 2000 years. We may have unprioritized it BUT it is still the Main Thing that we should be about.
O for the sleeping giant, the Church, to arise!
PS. I took at man to Denny's today. I presented the gospel message. He repented and gave his life to God as we sat in the booth with everyone around us. When we left he said, "Thank you! Thank you! I have had my burden lifted. I feel it!"
Simple, powerful and clear!
John 4:34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. 35 Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! 36 And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together."
Jesus knew without the message from God that all men must repent and put their trust in Him alone, they would be forever lost. This drove Him to leave the crowd of apathy and go into the crowd lostness.
The sea of lostness. He went fishing and taught others to do the same. He was a Fisherman who taught people how to fish. And He was good at it.
Our task is to bring the lost to safety of the cross. Our task is to seek and safe the lost. Our "Main Thing" has NOT changed for over 2000 years. We may have unprioritized it BUT it is still the Main Thing that we should be about.
O for the sleeping giant, the Church, to arise!
PS. I took at man to Denny's today. I presented the gospel message. He repented and gave his life to God as we sat in the booth with everyone around us. When we left he said, "Thank you! Thank you! I have had my burden lifted. I feel it!"
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Praying Together
As we begin the HOME Group ministry at Royal Heights our prayer is that it starts in prayer. The connection with the Lord is critical for the health and growth of the groups.
(I don't know where I got this article below but do the best you can.
What Happens when Groups Commit to Pray for One Another?
Your relationship with Him and each other will deepen. You will experience spiritual growth in Christ.
There is less chance of burnout as you put problems in His hands and trust members to His care.
You allow the Holy Spirit to work in your group so your time together is filling and refreshing.
He will answer your prayers in amazing ways, and your faith will increase.
Creative Ideas for Group Prayer
1. Pray through a psalm out loud together
2. Pray the prayer requests of the person to your right, either aloud or silently
3. Vary prayer time between the beginning, middle and closing of the meeting
4. Pick a portion of Scripture to pray for one another during the week (Col 1:9, Eph. 3:14-19)
5. Try brief “popcorn” prayers – short one sentence prayers.
6. If someone is in crisis, stop and pray for them right then
7. Pray for the church, a country, a family in need, specific seeker-oriented events, or any area for which your group has a passion
8. Ask members to write out prayer requests and exchange them with another member to pray aloud.
9. Is there someone in your group with the gift of faith or encouragement? Ask that person to be the prayer coordinator who writes down requests each meeting and keeps track of answers. If a group member has an emergency, they can call the prayer coordinator, who will notify all the other members to pray for them.
10. Praise is a part of intercession. Is a group member in the midst of struggle? Praise God instead of praying requests.
11. Have each member write down requests for the week on a piece of paper. Fold the piece of paper and put it in a hat. Pass the hat, each member agreeing to pray for the person they pick and to call to encourage them during the week.
(I don't know where I got this article below but do the best you can.
What Happens when Groups Commit to Pray for One Another?
Your relationship with Him and each other will deepen. You will experience spiritual growth in Christ.
There is less chance of burnout as you put problems in His hands and trust members to His care.
You allow the Holy Spirit to work in your group so your time together is filling and refreshing.
He will answer your prayers in amazing ways, and your faith will increase.
Creative Ideas for Group Prayer
1. Pray through a psalm out loud together
2. Pray the prayer requests of the person to your right, either aloud or silently
3. Vary prayer time between the beginning, middle and closing of the meeting
4. Pick a portion of Scripture to pray for one another during the week (Col 1:9, Eph. 3:14-19)
5. Try brief “popcorn” prayers – short one sentence prayers.
6. If someone is in crisis, stop and pray for them right then
7. Pray for the church, a country, a family in need, specific seeker-oriented events, or any area for which your group has a passion
8. Ask members to write out prayer requests and exchange them with another member to pray aloud.
9. Is there someone in your group with the gift of faith or encouragement? Ask that person to be the prayer coordinator who writes down requests each meeting and keeps track of answers. If a group member has an emergency, they can call the prayer coordinator, who will notify all the other members to pray for them.
10. Praise is a part of intercession. Is a group member in the midst of struggle? Praise God instead of praying requests.
11. Have each member write down requests for the week on a piece of paper. Fold the piece of paper and put it in a hat. Pass the hat, each member agreeing to pray for the person they pick and to call to encourage them during the week.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Thanksgiving Sunday
Does it get any better than be in a close fellowship, enjoying the company of family and friends on a grand Thanksgiving? We have so much to be thankful for,... Salvation, our family, the Church family, and Canada as a nation of diversity.
Psalm 26:7
That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving,
And tell of all Your wondrous works.
I am so pleased to be Christian. God is such a good God. His works are beyond finding out. His knowledge His too wonderful. His word is power and His heart is pure!
May all the world repent and know Him. Know Him as Lord and Saviour!
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Love
I get to go and officiate at a wedding this afternoon. Two young, Spanish people sense that they are ready to commit to each other for life. They seem ready to me, also.
We know that love is at the centre of it all. What is love?
“Love is very patient and kind,
never jealous or envious,
never boastful or proud,
never haughty or selfish or rude.
Love does not demand its own way.
It is not irritable or touchy.
It does not hold grudges and
will hardly even notice when others do wrong.
It is never glad about injustice,
but rejoices whenever truth wins out.
If you love someone you will be loyal
to them no matter what the cost.
You will always believe in them,
always expect the best of them,
and always stand your ground in defending them.
All the special gifts and powers from God
will someday come to an end,
but love goes on forever.”
1 Corinthians 13
What a great picture? Love goes on forever. Wow!
Why does love never end? Because this love spoken of is "unconditional". If something is unconditional then there can be no conditions to end it.
This is the love we are to take to our marriages. Forever love. It is not a "feeling" it is right actions. These actions produce love feelings but should not be waiting for the feelings to come before it carries on the right action. This love just continues with the right action. This love is "God love"! When we serve with this love it is impossible to be controlled by another. When we serve with this love we are set free to really live!
It's LOVE, at its BEST!
We know that love is at the centre of it all. What is love?
“Love is very patient and kind,
never jealous or envious,
never boastful or proud,
never haughty or selfish or rude.
Love does not demand its own way.
It is not irritable or touchy.
It does not hold grudges and
will hardly even notice when others do wrong.
It is never glad about injustice,
but rejoices whenever truth wins out.
If you love someone you will be loyal
to them no matter what the cost.
You will always believe in them,
always expect the best of them,
and always stand your ground in defending them.
All the special gifts and powers from God
will someday come to an end,
but love goes on forever.”
1 Corinthians 13
What a great picture? Love goes on forever. Wow!
Why does love never end? Because this love spoken of is "unconditional". If something is unconditional then there can be no conditions to end it.
This is the love we are to take to our marriages. Forever love. It is not a "feeling" it is right actions. These actions produce love feelings but should not be waiting for the feelings to come before it carries on the right action. This love just continues with the right action. This love is "God love"! When we serve with this love it is impossible to be controlled by another. When we serve with this love we are set free to really live!
It's LOVE, at its BEST!
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Essential Doctrines
What are the essential doctrines or teachings of the faith that we MUST believe for Christianity to work? What are the truths that have been revealed by God to us that we can not live without?
I believe there are seven essential doctrines. Different people may stress other truths as ultimately more important than the ones I will give but this is what makes us study to show ourselves approved.
The seven essential doctrines are: the Trinity, the deity and humanity of Christ, the bodily resurrection, the fall of man, salvation by grace through faith, Jesus the Messiah and the authority of Scripture. Think about each one and see if we could have Christianity without any one of them. Hmmmmmmmm.
1. Trinity - The Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Our Triune God. Creating man in His image. You cannot have an Everlasting Father with also having an Everlasting Son.
2. Diety/Humanity of Jesus - The God Man. Fully God and yet fully man. Mary did not birth God, she birthed Jesus, the man. God always was and is and will be forever.
3. Bodily resurrection - Many "messiahs" make great claims but only Jesus arose from the dead and is alive forever more. He was raised for our justification.
4. Fall of Man - And great was the fall. All are independent of God. Striving to find life outside of LIFE. Man deserves death and hell. O for the mercy of God!
5. Salvation by grace - Grace, grace, grace, amazing Grace. God saved us. We did nothing to deserve His mercy and grace.
6. Jesus the Messiah - He alone is the Answer to the question of the universe. What is the purpose of life? Jesus! Who can give us life? Jesus! How can I come to experience life? Jesus! There is none other under heaven. No one will come that can fulfill the role of Messiah for the nations, except Christ.
7. Authority of Scripture - Without Scripture no other doctrine could be discovered. Scripture is God's voice to a deaf world. Scripture is God's voice to His children.
Great truths can get lost if we don't bring them up again and again to stir us unto good works. These doctrines are life changing to any who will believe. If you want to do a good Bible study, these truths would be a good place to start.
I believe there are seven essential doctrines. Different people may stress other truths as ultimately more important than the ones I will give but this is what makes us study to show ourselves approved.
The seven essential doctrines are: the Trinity, the deity and humanity of Christ, the bodily resurrection, the fall of man, salvation by grace through faith, Jesus the Messiah and the authority of Scripture. Think about each one and see if we could have Christianity without any one of them. Hmmmmmmmm.
1. Trinity - The Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Our Triune God. Creating man in His image. You cannot have an Everlasting Father with also having an Everlasting Son.
2. Diety/Humanity of Jesus - The God Man. Fully God and yet fully man. Mary did not birth God, she birthed Jesus, the man. God always was and is and will be forever.
3. Bodily resurrection - Many "messiahs" make great claims but only Jesus arose from the dead and is alive forever more. He was raised for our justification.
4. Fall of Man - And great was the fall. All are independent of God. Striving to find life outside of LIFE. Man deserves death and hell. O for the mercy of God!
5. Salvation by grace - Grace, grace, grace, amazing Grace. God saved us. We did nothing to deserve His mercy and grace.
6. Jesus the Messiah - He alone is the Answer to the question of the universe. What is the purpose of life? Jesus! Who can give us life? Jesus! How can I come to experience life? Jesus! There is none other under heaven. No one will come that can fulfill the role of Messiah for the nations, except Christ.
7. Authority of Scripture - Without Scripture no other doctrine could be discovered. Scripture is God's voice to a deaf world. Scripture is God's voice to His children.
Great truths can get lost if we don't bring them up again and again to stir us unto good works. These doctrines are life changing to any who will believe. If you want to do a good Bible study, these truths would be a good place to start.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Glorify the LORD
We, as people, seem to be impressed with so many things. "Did you see that new car?" "Have you been in Jeff's new place?" "See how strong Joe is getting?" "Did you hear Sally got her second docorate" Everything is so impressive.
Why is it this way? Is it because we really don't see from the advantage point God has? Read this verse...
Jeremiah 9:23 Thus says the LORD:
“ Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,
Let not the mighty man glory in his might,
Nor let the rich man glory in his riches;
24 But let him who glories glory in this,
That he understands and knows Me,
That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness,
judgment, and righteousness in the earth.
For in these I delight,” says the LORD.
This is simple. The LORD Himself says, wise men are not that wise, mighty men are not tough, and rich people are not that rich. You see God is looking from His throne room and making an accurate accessment of the situation. He is not impressed.
You want to glorify someone? God in says, "Glorify Me? I alone am worthy?" You see, anything else around God pales in comparision to God. Enjoy Him, it's the chief end of man!
Why is it this way? Is it because we really don't see from the advantage point God has? Read this verse...
Jeremiah 9:23 Thus says the LORD:
“ Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,
Let not the mighty man glory in his might,
Nor let the rich man glory in his riches;
24 But let him who glories glory in this,
That he understands and knows Me,
That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness,
judgment, and righteousness in the earth.
For in these I delight,” says the LORD.
This is simple. The LORD Himself says, wise men are not that wise, mighty men are not tough, and rich people are not that rich. You see God is looking from His throne room and making an accurate accessment of the situation. He is not impressed.
You want to glorify someone? God in says, "Glorify Me? I alone am worthy?" You see, anything else around God pales in comparision to God. Enjoy Him, it's the chief end of man!
Monday, October 1, 2007
Behold Our God
Isa 40:10 Behold, the Lord Jehovah will come with a strong hand, and His arm shall rule for Him; behold, His reward is with Him, and His work before Him. 11 He shall feed His flock like a shepherd; He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those with young. 12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and measured out the heavens with a span? And who has shut up the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance? 13 Who has directed the Spirit of Jehovah, and what man taught Him counsel? 14 With whom did He take counsel, and who instructed Him and taught Him in the path of judgment, and taught Him knowledge, and made known the way of understanding to Him? 15 Behold, the nations are like a drop in a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the scales; behold, He takes up the coastlands as a very little thing. 16 And Lebanon is not enough to burn, nor the beasts of it enough for a burnt offering. 17 All nations before Him are as nothing; and to Him they are thought to be less than nothing, and vanity.
25 To whom then will you compare Me, or am I equaled? says the Holy One. 26 Lift up your eyes on high, and behold, who has created these, who brings out their host by number? He calls them all by names by the greatness of His might, for He is strong in power; not one is lacking.
Bobby Fisher could think 42 moves ahead. He was the world’s greatest chess player. God is millions of moves ahead. There really is not such a thing as an accident to God. An accident suggests that He was not aware something would happen. This one truth alone will bring peace to an anxious soul!
25 To whom then will you compare Me, or am I equaled? says the Holy One. 26 Lift up your eyes on high, and behold, who has created these, who brings out their host by number? He calls them all by names by the greatness of His might, for He is strong in power; not one is lacking.
Bobby Fisher could think 42 moves ahead. He was the world’s greatest chess player. God is millions of moves ahead. There really is not such a thing as an accident to God. An accident suggests that He was not aware something would happen. This one truth alone will bring peace to an anxious soul!
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