Brothers and Sisters, we are often misunderstood by unbelievers, and we seldom help them to clear the confusion. You see we are not tasked with preaching judgment but instead reconciliation. God has paid the full price for Sin, through the sacrifice of our Lord, Christ Jesus. His death in place of our death! Glory!
There are seven judgments. If you can understand them, then you can understand (more) the lengths to which our loving Father has gone to save us.
Check out this article at Christian Chronicles, and especially the portion under the heading "The Seven Judgments".
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
A Message For Us Today
I've just finished reading Job today. The whole recount of Job's trials is something which has led to some unexpected thoughts. As Satan was allowed to attack Job God put him through the "refiner's fire". Job had led a "good" life up to that point. He was described by men as righteous and enjoyed great favor in the world. He was sought out for advice and council. He believed himself to be righteous and wise. As you might guess Job had a lot of things right and at least one thing wrong. He understood reverent fear of the Lord is the only way to wisdom and understanding. However, he thought his own righteousness meant he should receive nothing but favor from the Lord. He believed he "had arrived" to put it in common terms.
You see much like Satan did, Job figured himself akin to God, and above others. It's my take that Job was prideful in his standing with God. When trial hit Job's life he asked (basically) what good is it to be a believer if bad things happen to you while evil men prosper? Job figured he was above these things. While He never lost track of who God was, he did loose track of who he, himself, was.
The book of Job is the recount of a fantastic argument between friends and wise men, and ends with a conversation with the Lord Himself. All of this makes Job submit himself fully to God, Amen. When the Lord speaks to Job He doesn't try to wrestle with him over how Job has lived his life, He simply asks Job to explain things to Him that Job would know if Job were truly as great as he thought he was. The Lord goes so far as to say if you are this great even I will praise you.
What I find most surprising is that God's rebuke of Job's over estimate of himself could easily be applied to most of us today who question the validity of God's recount of Creation. If you read the book of Job you likely will be amazed at the scientific revelations written in it. The very things that God asks Job to explain are the things that scientists are wrestling with today. They are the very things that so-called Christians claim to be able to figure out with their own feeble minds in ways "more correct" than what is recounted in Genesis. Oh foolish generation! Get on your knees and say to God the words of Job!! Oh how great are You, my Creator. Surely You are greater than I. Surely You are worthy of all praise and the only understanding and wisdom I have comes from You!
If you are interested at all in understanding the truth that is God can not lie and observations made to day not only dont disagree with the Word of God, but in fact point us back to His truth again and again, visit Answers In Genesis. There you will find answers to more questions than you've likely thought to ask. God enjoy the glory God is given when His people see the works of His hands in the world and then pass it on to change the lives of believers!
You see much like Satan did, Job figured himself akin to God, and above others. It's my take that Job was prideful in his standing with God. When trial hit Job's life he asked (basically) what good is it to be a believer if bad things happen to you while evil men prosper? Job figured he was above these things. While He never lost track of who God was, he did loose track of who he, himself, was.
The book of Job is the recount of a fantastic argument between friends and wise men, and ends with a conversation with the Lord Himself. All of this makes Job submit himself fully to God, Amen. When the Lord speaks to Job He doesn't try to wrestle with him over how Job has lived his life, He simply asks Job to explain things to Him that Job would know if Job were truly as great as he thought he was. The Lord goes so far as to say if you are this great even I will praise you.
What I find most surprising is that God's rebuke of Job's over estimate of himself could easily be applied to most of us today who question the validity of God's recount of Creation. If you read the book of Job you likely will be amazed at the scientific revelations written in it. The very things that God asks Job to explain are the things that scientists are wrestling with today. They are the very things that so-called Christians claim to be able to figure out with their own feeble minds in ways "more correct" than what is recounted in Genesis. Oh foolish generation! Get on your knees and say to God the words of Job!! Oh how great are You, my Creator. Surely You are greater than I. Surely You are worthy of all praise and the only understanding and wisdom I have comes from You!
If you are interested at all in understanding the truth that is God can not lie and observations made to day not only dont disagree with the Word of God, but in fact point us back to His truth again and again, visit Answers In Genesis. There you will find answers to more questions than you've likely thought to ask. God enjoy the glory God is given when His people see the works of His hands in the world and then pass it on to change the lives of believers!
Monday, January 30, 2006
The Heavens Are Not Clean
In Job 15:15-16 Job's friend Eliphaz asks a great question. "Behold, God puts no trust in His holy ones [the angels]. Indeed, the heavens are not clean in His sight. How much less that which is abominable and corrupt, a man who drinks iniquity like water?"
Eliphaz is asking the same question we often do. What is man that God is mindful of us? If the very heavens are unlean and the angles are not trustworthy how can God wish to fellowship with us?
Here are three answers.
His Grace. His Mercy. His Love.
None of them have anything to do with who we are, only who He is. He is amazing and wonderful.
Eliphaz is asking the same question we often do. What is man that God is mindful of us? If the very heavens are unlean and the angles are not trustworthy how can God wish to fellowship with us?
Here are three answers.
His Grace. His Mercy. His Love.
None of them have anything to do with who we are, only who He is. He is amazing and wonderful.
Monday, January 23, 2006
Congratulations Stephen!
As I post this the Conservative party of Canada is elected/leading in 122 seats and they have been predicted to win a minority government. I was hoping for a majority, but I'm very pleased that Stephen Harper is going to win.
So if you're reading this Stephen, we were praying for you during the debates and we'll be praying for you as you lead.
So if you're reading this Stephen, we were praying for you during the debates and we'll be praying for you as you lead.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
He Who Overcomes, I Will Make a Pillar
Revelation 3:12 "He who overcomes (is victorious), I will make him a pillar in the sanctuary of My God; he shall never be put out of it or go out of it, and I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which descends from My God out of heaven, and My own new name."
I know I haven't been posting much these last couple of weeks, I will get caught up I'm sure. I've been spending a lot of time in prayer. Recently while praying the word "pillar" was given to me. So I went searching for scripture that would speak to me. And found it in The Revelation of Jesus Christ to John Chapter 3 verse 12. I encourage you to listen as much as you talk when you're praying. Let Him get a word in from time to time.
I have been exploring areas where I can work in ministry and will be meeting with a pastor who ministers to prisoners. I'm not sure where that will lead, but I do know that Jesus came for the sick. And I also know that forgiving someone helps them open up to the possibility of their lives being transformed. I look at the amazing work that God has done in my life, and I can assure you that it began with forgiveness. I believe whole heartedly that God forgave me so that I could help others be forgiven as well.
All glory to Christ, Our Risen Lord! Son of God and Son of Man! Hail the King!
I know I haven't been posting much these last couple of weeks, I will get caught up I'm sure. I've been spending a lot of time in prayer. Recently while praying the word "pillar" was given to me. So I went searching for scripture that would speak to me. And found it in The Revelation of Jesus Christ to John Chapter 3 verse 12. I encourage you to listen as much as you talk when you're praying. Let Him get a word in from time to time.
I have been exploring areas where I can work in ministry and will be meeting with a pastor who ministers to prisoners. I'm not sure where that will lead, but I do know that Jesus came for the sick. And I also know that forgiving someone helps them open up to the possibility of their lives being transformed. I look at the amazing work that God has done in my life, and I can assure you that it began with forgiveness. I believe whole heartedly that God forgave me so that I could help others be forgiven as well.
All glory to Christ, Our Risen Lord! Son of God and Son of Man! Hail the King!
Monday, January 16, 2006
Living In Heaven
I've started a Leadership Course at work. It's funny to see the world define things like Ethics and Values. One thing struck me as I studied today. The course instructs you to have your "religion" be a private thing. More and more as I am grown by the Holy Spirit I'm finding it harder and harder to keep anything about my faith private. The Lord is so good!
I value His ethics well and above any other!
Thank the Lord, He is opening doors for me to serve in ministry.
Live in Heaven though you walk on this earth my Brothers and Sisters!
I value His ethics well and above any other!
Thank the Lord, He is opening doors for me to serve in ministry.
Live in Heaven though you walk on this earth my Brothers and Sisters!
Friday, January 06, 2006
Who is This Guy?
I wonder who the Jews thought This Man was, or who He Was/Is going to be. I posted recently about how they missed who Jesus was because they were looking for a King as He'll be when He comes the second time. Therefore we should take this as a warning and really be honest in our searching the Word for how He'll return to us for His second coming. But, and this is showing my ignorance, I wonder who they thought the man described in Isaiah 53:1-12 would be if not Jesus.
I have been given concern for two things, the credibility of the Word (and therefore the Faith) and also for the proper interpretation of it. These are no small things. By concern I do not mean "responsibility" but I do mean that I feel concerned that there are strong attacks on both of these fronts and I feel led to be in the fight in those areas. I'd love to say I'm prepared for that fight, but I am not. Though I will be, God willing. With both of these issues in mind I'm often reminded how Jewish scribes and scholars missed our Lord's first coming (in flesh). These people know the Old Testament like the back of their hands. Deception is powerful, never doubt that.
In my life I keep coming across scripture in my study time, that I've been preached to on. Sometimes I'm finding the preacher might have completely missed the point. That is not to say that "I know best, and everyone else is just unaware". My point is two fold. I've been preached at for most of my adult life and I've never grown like I have until I personally got deep into the Word. The second part of my point is this, if you bring an agenda into the Word when you read, then you are not listening to the Teacher, God the Holy Spirit who was sent to Earth for the very purpose of teaching you & I. If you approach the Word in prayer, and seeking only to have what it says revealed to you, then you will find knowledge and wisdom abounds in it.
I have been given concern for two things, the credibility of the Word (and therefore the Faith) and also for the proper interpretation of it. These are no small things. By concern I do not mean "responsibility" but I do mean that I feel concerned that there are strong attacks on both of these fronts and I feel led to be in the fight in those areas. I'd love to say I'm prepared for that fight, but I am not. Though I will be, God willing. With both of these issues in mind I'm often reminded how Jewish scribes and scholars missed our Lord's first coming (in flesh). These people know the Old Testament like the back of their hands. Deception is powerful, never doubt that.
In my life I keep coming across scripture in my study time, that I've been preached to on. Sometimes I'm finding the preacher might have completely missed the point. That is not to say that "I know best, and everyone else is just unaware". My point is two fold. I've been preached at for most of my adult life and I've never grown like I have until I personally got deep into the Word. The second part of my point is this, if you bring an agenda into the Word when you read, then you are not listening to the Teacher, God the Holy Spirit who was sent to Earth for the very purpose of teaching you & I. If you approach the Word in prayer, and seeking only to have what it says revealed to you, then you will find knowledge and wisdom abounds in it.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
As it was in the days of Noah
Luke 17:26-30
"Just as it was in the days of Noah so will it be in the time of the Son of Man. People ate, they drank, they married, they were given in marriage, right up to the day when Noah went into the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. "
"So also as it was in the days of Lot. People ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built. But on the very day that Lot went out of Sodom, it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all."
"That is the way it will be on the day that the Son of Man is revealed."
The first line of this quote "Just as it was in the days of Noah..." is often taken to mean the character of the people in the day of Noah is how the character of the people will be when the time of the Son of Man is upon us. While this may be true, and it surely seems to be from other scripture, I do not believe that is at all the point He is making in these statements. He is talking about how it will be "on the day that.." not in the days before. Also the warning is clearly that people will be going on about their lives as though nothing is about to happen, right up to their judgment.
It's a common feeling, and I surely feel this way at times myself, when a disaster happens or someone important to you dies that you are frustrated in how the world just keeps going. The situation God describes is similar as it deals with the population at large and a huge coming event. Most people in the world are blind to the coming judgment. Just as the day I die, I will likely get up, get dressed, eat breakfast, make a post on my blog and head of to wherever I'm going that day. Completely unaware of the incredible event that awaits me for that day.
God is making the point that most people will be blind, and so He's asking those who can see to watch. Let us all be on the look out. Unlike the day you die, the season of His return is preceded and indicated by signs and changes in the world. Many, including myself believe the season for the Rapture is upon us. The Rapture being a separate event from His second coming of course.
"Just as it was in the days of Noah so will it be in the time of the Son of Man. People ate, they drank, they married, they were given in marriage, right up to the day when Noah went into the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. "
"So also as it was in the days of Lot. People ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built. But on the very day that Lot went out of Sodom, it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all."
"That is the way it will be on the day that the Son of Man is revealed."
The first line of this quote "Just as it was in the days of Noah..." is often taken to mean the character of the people in the day of Noah is how the character of the people will be when the time of the Son of Man is upon us. While this may be true, and it surely seems to be from other scripture, I do not believe that is at all the point He is making in these statements. He is talking about how it will be "on the day that.." not in the days before. Also the warning is clearly that people will be going on about their lives as though nothing is about to happen, right up to their judgment.
It's a common feeling, and I surely feel this way at times myself, when a disaster happens or someone important to you dies that you are frustrated in how the world just keeps going. The situation God describes is similar as it deals with the population at large and a huge coming event. Most people in the world are blind to the coming judgment. Just as the day I die, I will likely get up, get dressed, eat breakfast, make a post on my blog and head of to wherever I'm going that day. Completely unaware of the incredible event that awaits me for that day.
God is making the point that most people will be blind, and so He's asking those who can see to watch. Let us all be on the look out. Unlike the day you die, the season of His return is preceded and indicated by signs and changes in the world. Many, including myself believe the season for the Rapture is upon us. The Rapture being a separate event from His second coming of course.
Monday, January 02, 2006
Happy New Year
Last year was a big year for me, big changes. However, last year is gone and we're off and running towards the changes, growth and challenges of 2006.
So I've been wondering what my walk will be like. Expectantly, I've started preparing to apply to work with AiG, in at least a part-time capacity. They truly are on the "front lines" of the battle right now. I'm also about to start a leadership course, required for a promotion at work. It seems my career is moving forward just as the rest of my life is.
My wife is studying more and more. And you should hear her pray! I often get wrapped up in myself but she has seen great growth this past year as well. The Lord is good! She was so calm as I lay on the floor on Christmas day. She got off the phone with 911, we prayed, they came and took me, and she called family to come over to make sure our turkey got cooked! It's almost funny to think she saw this as a priority. However, it shows the overall basic trust she has in God.
A prayer request of ours is for direction in what vehicle to get and when. We are experiencing some time pressure on the subject as I will be away on course when our current car must be returned (we normally lease). We'd like to have a new SUV, but we are not willing to limit what we can do for the Kingdom by getting something we can not afford. We're fans of the Nissan X-Trail and our second choice would be a car, the Mazda 3 Sport. However we're going to jump on the proper opportunity when it's revealed.
God bless you all! I pray you all seek to take on His yoke and start pulling!
So I've been wondering what my walk will be like. Expectantly, I've started preparing to apply to work with AiG, in at least a part-time capacity. They truly are on the "front lines" of the battle right now. I'm also about to start a leadership course, required for a promotion at work. It seems my career is moving forward just as the rest of my life is.
My wife is studying more and more. And you should hear her pray! I often get wrapped up in myself but she has seen great growth this past year as well. The Lord is good! She was so calm as I lay on the floor on Christmas day. She got off the phone with 911, we prayed, they came and took me, and she called family to come over to make sure our turkey got cooked! It's almost funny to think she saw this as a priority. However, it shows the overall basic trust she has in God.
A prayer request of ours is for direction in what vehicle to get and when. We are experiencing some time pressure on the subject as I will be away on course when our current car must be returned (we normally lease). We'd like to have a new SUV, but we are not willing to limit what we can do for the Kingdom by getting something we can not afford. We're fans of the Nissan X-Trail and our second choice would be a car, the Mazda 3 Sport. However we're going to jump on the proper opportunity when it's revealed.
God bless you all! I pray you all seek to take on His yoke and start pulling!
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