Thompson Chain

I'm not sure what you think of the Thompson chain reference, but I like the way it prints the whole verse out in the concordance.

This morning I looked up the word complaining ( from Philipp 2:14).

God has made it clear that the murmuring in the desert from the children of Israel was displeasing to Him. Even Proverbs 15:16 says: " Better a little with the fear of the Lord that great wealth with turmoil."

Paul: Philippians 4:11 " I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances."

I Timothy 6:8 " If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content."

I Corinthians 10:10 " And do not grumble, as some of them did-- and were killed by the destroying angel."

God has shown me through His word that I complain too much. This morning was incredible and I felt through just about every sense I have that the Lord is good and it's good to be alive. It's good to wake up hungry and be satisfied with Cascadian Farms cinnamon raisin granola. It's good to see the sun shining in its strength and get an audio visual of Revelation 1 where John describes Jesus in His glorified state. It's good to remember that our bodies will someday be redeemed and we will be like Jesus ( able to see Him as He is).

Why don't I think on these things more often ?

hope

There are days and events and people that make you long for heaven. I have been thinking alot lately about Romans 8:19-25 and the groaning that we experience here while waiting for the redemption of our bodies and I came across something from Jonathan Edwards that I wanted to reprint here... ( it's worth reading) :

" You that are poor, and think yourself despised by your neighbors and little cared for among men, do not much concern yourselves for this. Do not care much for the friendship of the world; but seek heaven, where there is no such thing as contempt, and where none are despised, but all are highly esteemed and honoured, and dearly beloved by all. You think you have met with many abuses, and much ill treatment from others.... care not for it. Do not hate them for it, but set your heart on heaven, that world of love and press toward that better country, where all is kindness and holy affection."
Taken from Jonathan Edwards " Charity and its fruits" page 365

7 minutes on the ipod

The previous post about my perspective change was influenced by 7 minutes in the pickup listening to a podcast by Alistair Begg. He was quoting another pastor who brought that perspective about God's providence. I know I am not in the grip of blind forces and I am convinced I am not floating on a sea of chance. I am being trained in the school of God's providence.

This is why I recommend something... instead of listening to the music you normally do... put some podcasts on your ipod and listen to God's word taught by true prophets. Even 7 minutes can do you good.
( I am no way advocating 7 minutes is sufficient... but don't underestimate the "immeasurable moment" )

Perspective change

Thankful

It takes some time to be in a place to recognize the value of everything that is happening/ has happened in your life. I have been put in a position to deal with things that I wasn't dealing with before. I am thankful for God's leading in my life and regret that I have complained internally about my perceived losses. I still feel a certain sense of loss, but at the same time I realize that I am here by God's appointment, under His care and here for the length of time that He has determined.

Romans 8:18 For I consider that our sufferings in this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

the power of a new affection

I was reading Jerry Bridges’ book Respectable Sins and came across a phrase in it : “ the expulsive power of a new affection.” Thomas Chalmers preached a sermon with this title years ago. I like this sermon title. It really brings home a thought that we are all aware of :

WHEN WE WANT SOMETHING REALLY BAD, WE FIND A WAY TO GET IT
( or spend much effort trying to make it happen)



We obey our highest desire. I know of teenagers who constantly said they had no money for youth retreats or camps, however, if ( fill in band name) had a concert nearby they managed to find the time and money to make that happen. They applied for scholarships for youth events but would go buy gold necklaces ( etc). I am not just using an example… these things really happened. I have witnessed stadiums full of people on Saturday for a football game and empty pews Sunday morning for a church gathering. Why is this ? People make time ( and pay for) what they value. So, if your spiritual life is lagging and you find yourself constantly beset by sin it’s time to ask some hard questions. What do you value ? What is your highest desire ? My implication is NOT that it is sinful to attend a football game. My point is that we make time for and we can suddenly afford the things we love. I am guilty of the things I am ranting and raving about right now. I have made excuses for my sin and they were just as lame as the excuses that I have been irritated by in others.

So, what now ? Is this just another rant by another frustrated pastor ? Is there hope for change ? Can we really have the type of integrity that we cry out to God for in prayer ?

I believe people can change. What’s the prescription for change ? I think part of the answer is in Romans 8:13
” for if you live according to the flesh, you must die, but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”


Do you want a fulfilling life that overflows with joy ? Put to death the deeds of the body by the power of the Holy Spirit. Be killing sin or it will be killing you.


( see John Owen “ Triumph over Temptation” )

question for the blogging community

In Luke 17 the disciples said to Jesus: " Increase our faith"


How do we do this ?


I'm really asking the question.

from Josh

I used an illustration about our attitude toward God's word yesterday in church. I said: " Our boys have a subscription to lego magazine and when it comes in the mail they are very enthusiastic about reading it." I then said, " I don't know why we get this because it just makes them want more legos...maybe we should cancel this subscription."

After the sermon, Josh said: " were you joking about cancelling that subscription ?" I said: "yes." His reply was: " that's coarse joking."