Thursday, March 22, 2007
"The Morning I heard the Voice of God"
Check out this article that John Piper wrote on hearing the voice of God. I found it incredibly refreshing and convicting as well. http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/TasteAndSee/ByDate/2007/2021_The_Morning_I_Heard_the_Voice_of_God/
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Concentrated Gospel Truth
Though the whole Bible points to Christ and his atoning work on the Cross, I love finding verses that summarize the Gospel in a concentrated sentence or two (or three). (I especially love running into them when I least expect to.) Maybe it's because they are easy to recall at times when I don't have a Bible. Maybe it's because they simplify the Gospel message into a short statement that even a child could understand. Or because such a huge, glorious truth is packed into so few words.
Here are a couple of my favorites:
II Corinthians 5:21 "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
Ephesians 2:12,13 "remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ."
Do any of you have some favorite verses that make the Gospel big to you in so small a passage?
-Amber Harrington-
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Deceitfulness of the Heart
I thought to share a journal entry of mine because I think that perhaps many of you can relate.
"I think that I make to many decisions based on how I feel. If I let myself become informed by subjectivity, it will only lead to despair in a fallen world. Yet at times I cannot alleviate this weight that presses in on me so. My heart yearns to be joyful, but it as if my sin will not allow it. I begin to preach myself the Gospel again, but its foundation has been loosened in my life because of sin. It has almost lost its effect. How can I profess something that my life does not support? How can I call myself a child of God and yet live as a forsaken one? How can I sing a lyric that proclaims the sinner that I once was, when I am that now? O' sinful heart, you bring me to despair. I cannot bear my own deceitfulness."
It was at this moment that God began to work in my heart and show me where my thought process had gone awry. How quickly I gave up on the Gospel! Even in these words God showed me how I was letting myself be decieved by trusting in that which I had done, and not what Christ had accomplished. Most importantly, as I read the objective words of truth by Jermiah in chapter 17, I was greatly encouraged.
Jeremiah 17:5-10
"Thus says the LORD:
'Cursed is the man who trusts in man
and makes flesh his strength,
whose heart turns away from the LORD.
He is like a shrub in the desert,
and shall not see any good come.
He shall dwell in the parched
places of the wilderness,
in an uninhabited salt land.
Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose trust in in the LORD.
He is like a tree planted by water,
that sends out its roots by the stream,
and does not fear when heat comes,
for its leaves remain green,
and is not anxious in the year of drought,
for it does not cease to bear fruit.
The heart is deceitful above all things,
and desperately sick;
who can understand it?
I the Lord search the heart
and test the mind,
to give every man according to his ways,
according to the fruit of his deeds.'"
Isn't it amazing how I can read words that were written 2500 years and they can directly apply to my life today! Even more amazing is the grace of God to lead me to a truth that pierced that shell of my sin and shed light on "the deceitfulness of my heart." Praise be to God for his never-ending mercy!
-Kyle Glick-
"I think that I make to many decisions based on how I feel. If I let myself become informed by subjectivity, it will only lead to despair in a fallen world. Yet at times I cannot alleviate this weight that presses in on me so. My heart yearns to be joyful, but it as if my sin will not allow it. I begin to preach myself the Gospel again, but its foundation has been loosened in my life because of sin. It has almost lost its effect. How can I profess something that my life does not support? How can I call myself a child of God and yet live as a forsaken one? How can I sing a lyric that proclaims the sinner that I once was, when I am that now? O' sinful heart, you bring me to despair. I cannot bear my own deceitfulness."
It was at this moment that God began to work in my heart and show me where my thought process had gone awry. How quickly I gave up on the Gospel! Even in these words God showed me how I was letting myself be decieved by trusting in that which I had done, and not what Christ had accomplished. Most importantly, as I read the objective words of truth by Jermiah in chapter 17, I was greatly encouraged.
Jeremiah 17:5-10
"Thus says the LORD:
'Cursed is the man who trusts in man
and makes flesh his strength,
whose heart turns away from the LORD.
He is like a shrub in the desert,
and shall not see any good come.
He shall dwell in the parched
places of the wilderness,
in an uninhabited salt land.
Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose trust in in the LORD.
He is like a tree planted by water,
that sends out its roots by the stream,
and does not fear when heat comes,
for its leaves remain green,
and is not anxious in the year of drought,
for it does not cease to bear fruit.
The heart is deceitful above all things,
and desperately sick;
who can understand it?
I the Lord search the heart
and test the mind,
to give every man according to his ways,
according to the fruit of his deeds.'"
Isn't it amazing how I can read words that were written 2500 years and they can directly apply to my life today! Even more amazing is the grace of God to lead me to a truth that pierced that shell of my sin and shed light on "the deceitfulness of my heart." Praise be to God for his never-ending mercy!
-Kyle Glick-
Monday, March 12, 2007
"Exceedingly Sinful"
The older that I have become, my appreciation for the ministry of Charles Haddon Spurgeon has greatly increased. Most particularly, As God has extended His grace toward me, my love for reading has grown as well. Apart from the Holy Bible, one of my favorite books to read is Charles Spurgeon's Morning & Evening, a compilation of daily expositional teachings on certain passages of scripture. Just this morning, as I was reading the March 11 morning entry I was greatly convicted and I thought to post it on this blog because this is a topic that can never be adressed enough.
'Sin... exceedinly sinful'
Romans 7:13
Beware of light thoughts of sin. At the time of conversion, the conscience is so tender, that we are afriad of the slightest sin. Young converts have a holy timidity, a godly fear lest the should offend agianst God. But alas! very soon the fine bloom upon these first ripe fruits is removed by the rough handling of the surrounding world: the sensitive plant of young piety turns into a willow in after life, too pliant, too easily yeilding. It is sadly true, that even a Christian may grow by degrees so callous, that the sin which once startled him does not alarm him in the least. by degrees me get familiar with sin. The ear in which the cannon has been born will not notice the slightest sounds. At first a little sin startles us; but soon we say, 'Is it not a little on?' Then there comes another, larger, and then another, until by degrees we begin to regard sin as but a little ill; and then follows an unholy presumption: 'We have not fallen into open sin. True, we tripped a little, but we stood upright in main. We may have uttered one unholy word, but as for the most of our conversation, it has been consistent'. So we palliate sin; we thow a cloak over it; we call it dainty names.
Christian, beware how thou thinkest lightly of sin. Take heed lest thou fall by little and little. Sin, a little thing? Is it not a poison? Who knows its deadliness? Sin, a little thing? Do not the little foxes spoil the grapes? Doth not the tiny coral insect build a rock which wrecks a navy? Do not little strokes fell lofty oaks? Will not continual droppings wear away stones? Sin, a little thing? It girded the Redeemer's head with thorns, and pierced His heart! It made Him suffer anguish, bitterness, and woe. Could you weigh the least sin in the scales of eternity, you would fly from it as from a serpent, and abhor the least appearance of evil. Look upon all sin as that which crucified the Saviour, and you will see it to be 'exceedingly sinful'.
I am continually amazed at Spurgeon's ability to so accurately and effectively describe the human heart and its inclinations. No wonder he became a pastor at the age of 17!
-Kyle Glick-
'Sin... exceedinly sinful'
Romans 7:13
Beware of light thoughts of sin. At the time of conversion, the conscience is so tender, that we are afriad of the slightest sin. Young converts have a holy timidity, a godly fear lest the should offend agianst God. But alas! very soon the fine bloom upon these first ripe fruits is removed by the rough handling of the surrounding world: the sensitive plant of young piety turns into a willow in after life, too pliant, too easily yeilding. It is sadly true, that even a Christian may grow by degrees so callous, that the sin which once startled him does not alarm him in the least. by degrees me get familiar with sin. The ear in which the cannon has been born will not notice the slightest sounds. At first a little sin startles us; but soon we say, 'Is it not a little on?' Then there comes another, larger, and then another, until by degrees we begin to regard sin as but a little ill; and then follows an unholy presumption: 'We have not fallen into open sin. True, we tripped a little, but we stood upright in main. We may have uttered one unholy word, but as for the most of our conversation, it has been consistent'. So we palliate sin; we thow a cloak over it; we call it dainty names.
Christian, beware how thou thinkest lightly of sin. Take heed lest thou fall by little and little. Sin, a little thing? Is it not a poison? Who knows its deadliness? Sin, a little thing? Do not the little foxes spoil the grapes? Doth not the tiny coral insect build a rock which wrecks a navy? Do not little strokes fell lofty oaks? Will not continual droppings wear away stones? Sin, a little thing? It girded the Redeemer's head with thorns, and pierced His heart! It made Him suffer anguish, bitterness, and woe. Could you weigh the least sin in the scales of eternity, you would fly from it as from a serpent, and abhor the least appearance of evil. Look upon all sin as that which crucified the Saviour, and you will see it to be 'exceedingly sinful'.
I am continually amazed at Spurgeon's ability to so accurately and effectively describe the human heart and its inclinations. No wonder he became a pastor at the age of 17!
-Kyle Glick-
Thursday, March 8, 2007
"An Intenser Relish"
I love to read.
I love to read classic works of literature--novels, poetry, prose, and dramas. I love to read books on Christian living and theology. I love to read history books and non-fiction. I love to read my nutrition textbook. I love to read blogs! But sometimes the number of things available to read can be overwhelming. There comes a point when one has to be selective in his or her reading choices.
There's one book, as you know, that can't be ruled out. It's just hard to remember sometimes. Read this quote from Horatious Bonar, nineteenth century Scottish pastor and poet:
See that your relish for the Bible be above every other enjoyment, and the moment you begin to feel greater relish for any other book, lay it down till you have sought deliverance from such a snare, and obtained from the Holy Spirit an intenser relish, a keener appetite for the Word of God (Jer 15:16).
It's important to make sure that we don't allow any other book to suffocate, if you will, time spent reading the Word. We must set it aside until we are sure that we love the Bible with an "intenser relish" than any other reading, even Christian books, such as Knowing God or The Cross Centered Life.
Nothing should be competing with the Bible, but it takes the help of the Holy Spirit to get to the place were we love it with a "keener appetite" than anything else.
Lord, help me to love your Word far more than any other book. Thank you for the precious gift it is to us. Help me to see its value and the power it has in my life. Help me, by your Spirit, to cherish it and study it diligently so that my thoughts might be your thoughts and my will your will.
-Amber Harrington-
Friday, March 2, 2007
"Leave it all in the Pool"
Recently, I have had the pleasure of hearing Danny Jones, Senior Pastor at Metro Life Church of Orlando and the Overseer of all the southern SGM churches, speak on "Revival" and what that looks like in the life of an individual. Midway through his message however Danny gave a quote by Bryan Chappell, author of The Wonder of it All, and one paragraph in particular stuck out to me which I thought might to helpful to a few.
"No force, nor any other means, contributes more to the buliding of Chirst's kingdom and the destruction of the dominion of darkness than your personal, daily commitment to honor Jesus in the place where God has called you to live, work, love, learn, struggle and even play."
I found this quote to be quite powerful in the simplicity of its argument. What Mr. Chappell is saying here is an enormous claim. Essentially, he is communicating that there is nothing we can do bring more glory to God than through our daily commitment to Him. And it makes perfect sense. Avoiding all implications of legalism, we must strive to honor our savior in all that we do. These means that we hold nothing back. We must commit the way we live our life, the way we conduct ourselves at work, the way we communicate our love for one another as in the affections of Christ, the diligence in which we apply ourselves to our studies (I know this one might be tough), the way in which we humbly submit ourself to His graces in times of hardship, and even the way in which we strive to have biblical fellowship with one another (should there be any other kind of fellowship?).
What I am most fond of within this quote and most grateful for to Mr. Chappell is in the fact that it leaves no room for turning aside. Let me give an anology to further communicate what I mean. For most of my life I was a swimmer and I can vividly remember every time my father came to watch me race. Without fail, before every event he would say, "Leave it all in the pool Kyle." What He meant was for me to give it everything I had, so that when the race was finished I could say with confidence that I had in fact, "left it all in the pool." I think that God would hold us to the same standard in our daily commitment to honor him. He has been most gracious to our behalf and deserves all of our energies to bring Him glory.
Hopefully this has encouraged some to continue to strive for the end of the race and fight the good fight. However, we must not make the mistake of accomplishing these things to earn the favor of God. It was received the moment that we placed our trust in the accomplishments of Christ and the works that did. This does not mean that God would not want any one to sense His pleasure when we are obedient to Him, but that we humbly recognize we are able to obey, because the Son of God obeyed first.
-Kyle Glick-
"No force, nor any other means, contributes more to the buliding of Chirst's kingdom and the destruction of the dominion of darkness than your personal, daily commitment to honor Jesus in the place where God has called you to live, work, love, learn, struggle and even play."
I found this quote to be quite powerful in the simplicity of its argument. What Mr. Chappell is saying here is an enormous claim. Essentially, he is communicating that there is nothing we can do bring more glory to God than through our daily commitment to Him. And it makes perfect sense. Avoiding all implications of legalism, we must strive to honor our savior in all that we do. These means that we hold nothing back. We must commit the way we live our life, the way we conduct ourselves at work, the way we communicate our love for one another as in the affections of Christ, the diligence in which we apply ourselves to our studies (I know this one might be tough), the way in which we humbly submit ourself to His graces in times of hardship, and even the way in which we strive to have biblical fellowship with one another (should there be any other kind of fellowship?).
What I am most fond of within this quote and most grateful for to Mr. Chappell is in the fact that it leaves no room for turning aside. Let me give an anology to further communicate what I mean. For most of my life I was a swimmer and I can vividly remember every time my father came to watch me race. Without fail, before every event he would say, "Leave it all in the pool Kyle." What He meant was for me to give it everything I had, so that when the race was finished I could say with confidence that I had in fact, "left it all in the pool." I think that God would hold us to the same standard in our daily commitment to honor him. He has been most gracious to our behalf and deserves all of our energies to bring Him glory.
Hopefully this has encouraged some to continue to strive for the end of the race and fight the good fight. However, we must not make the mistake of accomplishing these things to earn the favor of God. It was received the moment that we placed our trust in the accomplishments of Christ and the works that did. This does not mean that God would not want any one to sense His pleasure when we are obedient to Him, but that we humbly recognize we are able to obey, because the Son of God obeyed first.
-Kyle Glick-
Monday, February 26, 2007
"Beautiful Lord"
God has really been using different songs lately to minister to me. Here's one by a new band called Leeland that has helped me significantly because of the comforting truth it holds. I play it again and again to remind myself to let Him be the "peace that calms my troubled sea" and to let His grace "[remain] the shelter that I seek." My weakness really is all I have to give.
"Beautiful Lord" by Leeland
Verse 1
When the storm is raging all around me
You are the peace that calms
My troubled sea
And when the cares of this world
Darken my day
You are the light that shines
And shows me the way
On the cross You showed Your love for me!
Chorus
Beautiful Lord
Awesome and mighty
I’m captured by this love I see
Beautiful Lord
Tender and holy
Your mercy brings me to my knees
It’s Your mercy that has made me free
Beautiful Lord
Verse 2
When my sin is all that I can see
Your grace remains the shelter that I seek
And when my weakness is all I can give
Your gentle Spirit gives me strength again
And oh, the beauty of Your majesty
On the cross You showed Your love for me
And I am lifted by Your love to sing!
It’s Your mercy that has made me free!
-Amber Harrington-
Saturday, February 24, 2007
God Moves in a Mysterious Way
The following hymn is by a man who lived in the 18th century, named William Cowper. He wrote many hymns alongside his spiritual mentor, John (author of "Amazing Grace"). Though he (Cowper) was saved, he suffered bouts of severe depression. It's amazing to read his work with that in mind.
I like this hymn so much that I think I want to get it framed someday.
God Moves in a Mysterious Way
by William Cowper
God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never-failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs,
And works His sovereign will.
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take,
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break
In blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.
His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.
Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan his work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.
-Amber Harrington-
Friday, February 16, 2007
The Beauty of Grace
You took the crown of thorns,
And gave me a crown of grace.
-
You took upon my death,
And gave me Your life.
-
You took my cloak of sin,
And gave me robes of righteousness.
-
You took my condemnation,
And gave me hope.
-
You took my tears of pain,
And gave me the joy of the Father.
-
My Inadequacies are endless,
My transgression abounds.
-
Yet you do not forsake,
You do not condem.
-
How can it be?
How can it be?
-
By the blood of one who is perfect,
One far more righteous than me.
-
So often I forget where I once was and where Christ proclaims me to be. He is my great High Preist who pleads my cause to a God who is just and who does not let the wicked go unpunished. The father looks upon the Son and pardons ME because my eternal wrongs have been atoned. This however, is not where our Lord ends. In His great mercy and steadfast love for us, He has granted us a portion of His great Kingdom and His beautiful glory. He bathes us in His marvelous light, fills us with faith, allows us to know Him, and grants us the grace to overcome our sinful flesh.
-
May we seek to continually remind ourselves of our sin, and furthermore, of the cross so that we might fufill 0ur purpose and our great declaration. To live for the glory of God, the wonderful Trinity.
-Kyle Glick-
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Sons of God
C. H. Spurgeon - Morning and Evening
"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God."—1 John 3:1,2.
BEHOLD, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us. Consider who we were, and what we feel ourselves to be even now when corruption is powerful in us, and you will wonder at our adoption. Yet we are called "the sons of God." What a high relationship is that of a son, and what privileges it brings! What care and tenderness the son expects from his father, and what love the father feels towards the son! But all that, and more than that, we now have through Christ. As for the temporary drawback of suffering with the elder brother, this we accept as an honour: "Therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not." We are content to be unknown with Him in His humiliation, for we are to be exalted with Him. "Beloved, now are we the sons of God." That is easy to read, but it is not so easy to feel. How is it with your heart this morning? Are you in the lowest depths of sorrow? Does corruption rise within your spirit, and grace seem like a poor spark trampled under foot? Does your faith almost fail you? Fear not, it is neither your graces nor feelings on which you are to live: you must live simply by faith on Christ. With all these things against us, now—in the very depths of our sorrow, wherever we may be—now, as much in the valley as on the mountain, "Beloved, now are we the sons of God." "Ah, but," you say, "see how I am arrayed! my graces are not bright; my righteousness does not shine with apparent glory." But read the next: "It doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him." The Holy Spirit shall purify our minds, and divine power shall refine our bodies, then shall we see Him as He is.
"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God."—1 John 3:1,2.
BEHOLD, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us. Consider who we were, and what we feel ourselves to be even now when corruption is powerful in us, and you will wonder at our adoption. Yet we are called "the sons of God." What a high relationship is that of a son, and what privileges it brings! What care and tenderness the son expects from his father, and what love the father feels towards the son! But all that, and more than that, we now have through Christ. As for the temporary drawback of suffering with the elder brother, this we accept as an honour: "Therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not." We are content to be unknown with Him in His humiliation, for we are to be exalted with Him. "Beloved, now are we the sons of God." That is easy to read, but it is not so easy to feel. How is it with your heart this morning? Are you in the lowest depths of sorrow? Does corruption rise within your spirit, and grace seem like a poor spark trampled under foot? Does your faith almost fail you? Fear not, it is neither your graces nor feelings on which you are to live: you must live simply by faith on Christ. With all these things against us, now—in the very depths of our sorrow, wherever we may be—now, as much in the valley as on the mountain, "Beloved, now are we the sons of God." "Ah, but," you say, "see how I am arrayed! my graces are not bright; my righteousness does not shine with apparent glory." But read the next: "It doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him." The Holy Spirit shall purify our minds, and divine power shall refine our bodies, then shall we see Him as He is.
Thursday, February 8, 2007
His Daily Faithfulness
Last week was one of those weeks. I wasn't depending on God for his daily strength. I wasn't relying on the "fountain of living waters." Oh how easy it is to slip into self-sufficiency! It seems to me like the busier I get, the more I rely on myself, when it should be the opposite.
That's why, in my despair, I was glad to be reminded by Lamentations 3:21-24 that though I choose not to depend on Him at times, He graciously continues to renew His grace each day. I can say, along with Jeremiah: "But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him."
Though my faith ceases many times, I'm so glad that "the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases!" I'm so glad that He provides us with mercy that will "never come to an end" and that is "new every morning." Though I fail to commune with the Lord for days, I can boldy come before the Throne of Grace, unafraid and without shame, because of His daily faithfulness to show me mercy.
If you are disappointed in your own efforts to depend on Him, take heart! Though we are unfaithful, he remains very faithful each and every morning with new mercy and another fresh opportunity to “hope in him."
-Amber Harrington-
That's why, in my despair, I was glad to be reminded by Lamentations 3:21-24 that though I choose not to depend on Him at times, He graciously continues to renew His grace each day. I can say, along with Jeremiah: "But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him."
Though my faith ceases many times, I'm so glad that "the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases!" I'm so glad that He provides us with mercy that will "never come to an end" and that is "new every morning." Though I fail to commune with the Lord for days, I can boldy come before the Throne of Grace, unafraid and without shame, because of His daily faithfulness to show me mercy.
If you are disappointed in your own efforts to depend on Him, take heart! Though we are unfaithful, he remains very faithful each and every morning with new mercy and another fresh opportunity to “hope in him."
-Amber Harrington-
Saturday, February 3, 2007
Christ The Lord
Christ the Lord,
It is you who are most adored.
Entering the world as a helpless child,
You were born to give your life,
For the guilty and the vile.
-
Christ the Lord,
Our hope and saviour,
The wrath of the Father you bore,
So that we might inherit the right,
To know Him forevermore.
-
Christ the Lord,
Deliverer of sinners and the abhorred.
The beauty of salvation,
Far more than a story,
Forever be displayed,
Your splendor and Your glory.
-
Kyle Glick
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
