This past Sunday I witnessed and event that can only have been possible because of the gospel.
Due to a recent transfer of my father's job, he and my mother will shortly be moving to Little Rock, Arkansas for a one-year stay (God willing). In light of this, after church Sunday there was a reception held in the lobby to bless and encourage my parents before they leave next week.
The entire affair, from the delicious food to the heart-warming words of thanks and encouragement can only be attributed to the death of our Savior Jesus Christ. How else could such love pour forth? What else would motivate the preparation and participation? How else could such emotional and spiritual tearing take place? The answer is simple. Because everyone in the room has been saved from the wrath of God by the gospel of Jesus Christ. Any sacrifice that my parents have been, and any investment that they have placed in others lives is due to their salvation and nothing else .
The common bond that we all share in Christ was on full display Sunday. In fact, it is on display every Sunday; A collection of varied individuals with varied backgrounds, all with one common goal: to bring glory to God by thanking Him for my parents and what they have meant to many because of His grace.
From the Lord is has been received and to the Lord it shall return. How else could a Sunday like this have occurred?
-Kyle-
Monday, October 8, 2007
Thursday, October 4, 2007
East to West
Lately, it seems like every time I turn on the radio, this song is on. It is so helpful to be reminded of how merciful and kind the Lord is. Just when we think we can't get back up, he is right there to pick us up. We didn't deserve anything, but the Lord gave us everything! How great is our God!!!!
Here I am, Lord, and I'm drowning in your sea of forgetfulness
The chains of yesterday surround me
I yearn for peace and rest
I don't want to end up where You found me
And it echoes in my mind, keeps me awake tonight
I know You've cast my sin as far as the east is from the west
And I stand before You now as though I've never sinned
But today I feel like I'm just one mistake away from You leaving me this way
Jesus, can You show me just how far the east is from the west
'cause I can't bear to see the man I've been come rising up in me again
In the arms of Your mercy I find rest
'cause You know just how far the east is from the west
From one scarred hand to the other
I start the day, the war begins, endless reminding of my sin
Time and time again Your truth is drowned out by the storm I'm in
Today I feel like I'm just one mistake away from You leaving me this way
I know You've washed me white, turned my darkness into light
I need Your peace to get me through, to get me through this night
I can't live by what I feel, but by the truth Your word reveals
I'm not holding on to You, but You're holding on to me
You're holding on to me
Jesus, You know just how far the east is from the west
I don't have to see the man I've been come rising up in me again
In the arms of Your mercy I find rest
'cause You know just how far the east is from the west
From one scarred hand to the other
One scarred hand to the other
From one scarred hand to the other
"East to West" - Casting Crowns
Annsley
Here I am, Lord, and I'm drowning in your sea of forgetfulness
The chains of yesterday surround me
I yearn for peace and rest
I don't want to end up where You found me
And it echoes in my mind, keeps me awake tonight
I know You've cast my sin as far as the east is from the west
And I stand before You now as though I've never sinned
But today I feel like I'm just one mistake away from You leaving me this way
Jesus, can You show me just how far the east is from the west
'cause I can't bear to see the man I've been come rising up in me again
In the arms of Your mercy I find rest
'cause You know just how far the east is from the west
From one scarred hand to the other
I start the day, the war begins, endless reminding of my sin
Time and time again Your truth is drowned out by the storm I'm in
Today I feel like I'm just one mistake away from You leaving me this way
I know You've washed me white, turned my darkness into light
I need Your peace to get me through, to get me through this night
I can't live by what I feel, but by the truth Your word reveals
I'm not holding on to You, but You're holding on to me
You're holding on to me
Jesus, You know just how far the east is from the west
I don't have to see the man I've been come rising up in me again
In the arms of Your mercy I find rest
'cause You know just how far the east is from the west
From one scarred hand to the other
One scarred hand to the other
From one scarred hand to the other
"East to West" - Casting Crowns
Annsley
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
The Battle in the Morning
If you’re like me, almost every morning seems to be a battle to get out of bed and do my devotions. I thought it was encouraging to hear that the great, John Piper, struggles with the same thing and to see how he fights the battle. Here is him telling about one morning in particular.
Click. KSJN plays softly. Click. I turn it off in three seconds. It is 6:00a.m. I want Noel to sleep till 6:30. I slip out from under the sheet and quilt and tuck them in around her again. “God, I’m tired. Help me.” I can hardly move. My eyelids are paralyzed. I can lift them with fingers. Not necessary. My blue energy boot slippers and terry cloth robe are in their usual spot on the floor by the bed. I could find them in my sleep.
I’m sitting on the edge of the bed. “Maybe I should sleep in this morning. Noel can get the boys off to school. I might get sick if I don’t get more rest. I’ll be more efficient. I spent half of my ‘day off’ at the hospital…. Get off of me, Satan! In the name of Jesus Christ, the Almighty, get off my back! God, I’m tired. Help me…. Those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. They will mount up like with wings like eagles. They will run and not be weary” (Isaiah 40:31). The slippers and robe are on now. The night-light in the bathroom spills out into the hall. I creep by the open door of the boys’ bedroom on the way to the basement. “God, thank you for my sons. Oh, how I love my boys! Wake them up in righteousness, Jesus.”
The basement has no heat, but one room is finished and has a carpet and a sofa and a desk. Click. I turn the three-way lamp on low. It is 6:05. The Bible is open on the couch from the day before. There is an orange pillow for my elbows. I throw the brown sweater Noel made me over my head like a monk’s habit (to keep off the draft from the window) and begin.
“God, I’m tired. Help me. Please, open my eyes so I can see wonders in your Word. Oh, God. Mighty God! ….ext.
“And now my wife, Lord. Thank you for her. Protect her form harm and from the evil one. Give her joy in the ministry with me……ext.
“And finally, my sons. Even in their sleep, Lord, turn their hearts to you. And when I wake them with your Word, sow that seed in humble, open soil….ext.
I meditate on Mark today and try to see the inner meaning of the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand….ext.
The grandfather clock sounds half the Westminster chime. It is 6:30. My heart is full. My eyes are open. My faith is alive. My joy is warm. My conscience is still. My hope is strong. I will awaken them all with love!
Taste and See, Savoring the Supremacy of God in All of Life. – John Piper
Kevin
Click. KSJN plays softly. Click. I turn it off in three seconds. It is 6:00a.m. I want Noel to sleep till 6:30. I slip out from under the sheet and quilt and tuck them in around her again. “God, I’m tired. Help me.” I can hardly move. My eyelids are paralyzed. I can lift them with fingers. Not necessary. My blue energy boot slippers and terry cloth robe are in their usual spot on the floor by the bed. I could find them in my sleep.
I’m sitting on the edge of the bed. “Maybe I should sleep in this morning. Noel can get the boys off to school. I might get sick if I don’t get more rest. I’ll be more efficient. I spent half of my ‘day off’ at the hospital…. Get off of me, Satan! In the name of Jesus Christ, the Almighty, get off my back! God, I’m tired. Help me…. Those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. They will mount up like with wings like eagles. They will run and not be weary” (Isaiah 40:31). The slippers and robe are on now. The night-light in the bathroom spills out into the hall. I creep by the open door of the boys’ bedroom on the way to the basement. “God, thank you for my sons. Oh, how I love my boys! Wake them up in righteousness, Jesus.”
The basement has no heat, but one room is finished and has a carpet and a sofa and a desk. Click. I turn the three-way lamp on low. It is 6:05. The Bible is open on the couch from the day before. There is an orange pillow for my elbows. I throw the brown sweater Noel made me over my head like a monk’s habit (to keep off the draft from the window) and begin.
“God, I’m tired. Help me. Please, open my eyes so I can see wonders in your Word. Oh, God. Mighty God! ….ext.
“And now my wife, Lord. Thank you for her. Protect her form harm and from the evil one. Give her joy in the ministry with me……ext.
“And finally, my sons. Even in their sleep, Lord, turn their hearts to you. And when I wake them with your Word, sow that seed in humble, open soil….ext.
I meditate on Mark today and try to see the inner meaning of the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand….ext.
The grandfather clock sounds half the Westminster chime. It is 6:30. My heart is full. My eyes are open. My faith is alive. My joy is warm. My conscience is still. My hope is strong. I will awaken them all with love!
Taste and See, Savoring the Supremacy of God in All of Life. – John Piper
Kevin
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
C.J. on Pride
So, given my personal history, what groundless self-assurance could possibly motivate me to lift the hood that day to examine my engine? The only thing I actually know how to do is check whether the container for window-washer fluid needs refilling. So I checked that - with great authority. (It was more than half full.)
Then I shut the hood (also with great authority) and, proud fool that I am, got back into the car and turned the ignition once more - as if my having merely stared at the engine was sufficient to repair it; as if the broken parts were now calling to one another, "He's seen us! Get back together, quick!"
Yet as I turned the key again, the same violent shriek issued forth.
Only at this point did I finally go back in the house to do what I should have done earlier: I telephoned the repair shop to notify them of my car's condition - fully ready to pass along to them my firm conviction that the problem was not the window-washer fluid container.
Now you might assume that in a normal being, such ineptness couldn't possibly coexist with any significant measure of pride. Someone as unskilled as I am would, naturally, be humble right? However, without a doubt I can assure you that both incompetence and pride are very evident in my life.
The sad fact is that none of us are immune to the logic-defying, blinding effects of pride. Though it shows up in different forms and to differing degrees, it infects us all. The real issue here is not if pride exists in your heart; it's where pride exists and how pride is being expressed in your life. Scripture shows us that pride is strongly and dangerously rooted in our lives, far more than most of us care to admit or even think about.
John Stott has clearly thought about this and wrote the following: "At every stage of our Christian development and in every sphere of our Christian discipleship, pride is the greatest enemy and humility our greatest friend."
We've seen promise of humility - the gracious support of God. But we must also be aware of the great perils of pride - not just occasionally or under certain circumstances, but at every stage and in every sphere. Throughout our time on this earth, and in every arena of our lives, you and I share a common greatest enemy: pride.
-C.J. Mahaney-
-Kyle-
Then I shut the hood (also with great authority) and, proud fool that I am, got back into the car and turned the ignition once more - as if my having merely stared at the engine was sufficient to repair it; as if the broken parts were now calling to one another, "He's seen us! Get back together, quick!"
Yet as I turned the key again, the same violent shriek issued forth.
Only at this point did I finally go back in the house to do what I should have done earlier: I telephoned the repair shop to notify them of my car's condition - fully ready to pass along to them my firm conviction that the problem was not the window-washer fluid container.
Now you might assume that in a normal being, such ineptness couldn't possibly coexist with any significant measure of pride. Someone as unskilled as I am would, naturally, be humble right? However, without a doubt I can assure you that both incompetence and pride are very evident in my life.
The sad fact is that none of us are immune to the logic-defying, blinding effects of pride. Though it shows up in different forms and to differing degrees, it infects us all. The real issue here is not if pride exists in your heart; it's where pride exists and how pride is being expressed in your life. Scripture shows us that pride is strongly and dangerously rooted in our lives, far more than most of us care to admit or even think about.
John Stott has clearly thought about this and wrote the following: "At every stage of our Christian development and in every sphere of our Christian discipleship, pride is the greatest enemy and humility our greatest friend."
We've seen promise of humility - the gracious support of God. But we must also be aware of the great perils of pride - not just occasionally or under certain circumstances, but at every stage and in every sphere. Throughout our time on this earth, and in every arena of our lives, you and I share a common greatest enemy: pride.
-C.J. Mahaney-
-Kyle-
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Believe In Me
John 14:1-“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.
John 12:36-“While you have the light, believe in the light, that you many become sons of the light.”
THE DESPERATE SITUATION WE ARE IN
So what is this desperate situation that only Jesus can rescue us from? Notice the words “perish,” “condemned,” and “wrath of God” in the passage bellow….
John 3:16-18, 36- “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned; but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God….. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”
“The desperate situation we are in, Jesus says, is that we are under the wrath of God. This is owing to our sin. God is just, and His anger is rightly kindled against human attitudes and behaviors that belittle His worth and treat Him as insignificant. All of us have done this. In fact, we do it every day.” –John Piper-
GOD SENT JESUS TO DIE IN OUR PLACE
The amazing truth is that God has sent his Son Jesus into the world not to add to this condemnation, but to rescue us from it. The way Jesus rescues us is by taking the condemnation on himself, and dying in our place.
Isaiah 53:4-6-“We esteemed stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to His own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”
“The reason Jesus demands that we believe in Him is that there is nothing we can add to this rescue form the wrath of God. Jesus became our substitute. The sins that should have brought condemnation on us, God laid on Jesus. God’s love planned an amazing exchange: Jesus endured what we deserved sp that we might enjoy what he deserved- eternal life!” –John Piper-
John 14:11-“Believe me that I am the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account the works themselves.”
-Candace-
John 12:36-“While you have the light, believe in the light, that you many become sons of the light.”
THE DESPERATE SITUATION WE ARE IN
So what is this desperate situation that only Jesus can rescue us from? Notice the words “perish,” “condemned,” and “wrath of God” in the passage bellow….
John 3:16-18, 36- “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned; but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God….. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”
“The desperate situation we are in, Jesus says, is that we are under the wrath of God. This is owing to our sin. God is just, and His anger is rightly kindled against human attitudes and behaviors that belittle His worth and treat Him as insignificant. All of us have done this. In fact, we do it every day.” –John Piper-
GOD SENT JESUS TO DIE IN OUR PLACE
The amazing truth is that God has sent his Son Jesus into the world not to add to this condemnation, but to rescue us from it. The way Jesus rescues us is by taking the condemnation on himself, and dying in our place.
Isaiah 53:4-6-“We esteemed stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to His own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”
“The reason Jesus demands that we believe in Him is that there is nothing we can add to this rescue form the wrath of God. Jesus became our substitute. The sins that should have brought condemnation on us, God laid on Jesus. God’s love planned an amazing exchange: Jesus endured what we deserved sp that we might enjoy what he deserved- eternal life!” –John Piper-
John 14:11-“Believe me that I am the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account the works themselves.”
-Candace-
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
The Pathway to Holiness
The more my heart is taken up with Christ, the more do I enjoy practical deliverance from sin’s power. – H.A. Ironside
After being a believer for so long, I can sometimes become discouraged with what seems like a slow growth process concerning my sanctification. For every step forward, I feel like I take two steps back. Maybe that is why I could so identify with the words from J. Hudson Taylor.
“I hated myself; I hated my sin…I felt that there was nothing I so much desired in this world as holiness, nothing so much needed. But so far in any measure attaining it, the more I pursued and strove after it, the more it eluded my grasp; till hope itself almost died out… I cannot tell you how I am buffeted sometimes by temptation. I never knew how bad a heart I had. Often I am tempted to think that one so full of sin cannot be a child of God at all.”
Some may be surprised to find that these words were penned by one of the most revered heroes in the Christian church. J. Hudson Taylor was a nineteenth-century missionary to China. A renowned man of extraordinary faith, sacrifice, prayer and devotion. While serving in China, he found that every day he felt oppressed by his sin. Help came in the form of a letter from a fellow missionary.
“Abiding, not striving nor struggling; looking off unto Him; trusting Him for present power; trusting Him to subdue all inward corruption; resting in the love of an almighty Savior;…this is not new and yet ‘tis new to me. I feel as though the first dawning of a glorious day had risen upon me.”
In a later letter to his sister, Taylor communicated that he was as happy as he had ever been. What caused such a changed…even in the life of a believer? Taylor said, “I am as capable of sinning as ever, but Christ is realized as present as never before.” Fixing our gaze on Jesus is a powerful thing when we are seeking to be holy. Paul the apostle says it this way: "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."-2 Corin 3:18. So, even in my daily struggle against sin, I know that there is hope. I know that I don’t have to fight this battle alone. I can live my life hoping that my battles are achieving glory for God. But I can rest, knowing He has already won the war.
~Holy God, there is none like You and I thank you for sending Your precious Son as a sacrifice for my sins. Help me to hate me sin as You do, but not to make it bigger than You. May I live my life in the shadow of the cross, living in all joy and gladness because of what has been accomplished! Help me to walk humbly before You and the people in my life.~
-Lana-
After being a believer for so long, I can sometimes become discouraged with what seems like a slow growth process concerning my sanctification. For every step forward, I feel like I take two steps back. Maybe that is why I could so identify with the words from J. Hudson Taylor.
“I hated myself; I hated my sin…I felt that there was nothing I so much desired in this world as holiness, nothing so much needed. But so far in any measure attaining it, the more I pursued and strove after it, the more it eluded my grasp; till hope itself almost died out… I cannot tell you how I am buffeted sometimes by temptation. I never knew how bad a heart I had. Often I am tempted to think that one so full of sin cannot be a child of God at all.”
Some may be surprised to find that these words were penned by one of the most revered heroes in the Christian church. J. Hudson Taylor was a nineteenth-century missionary to China. A renowned man of extraordinary faith, sacrifice, prayer and devotion. While serving in China, he found that every day he felt oppressed by his sin. Help came in the form of a letter from a fellow missionary.
“Abiding, not striving nor struggling; looking off unto Him; trusting Him for present power; trusting Him to subdue all inward corruption; resting in the love of an almighty Savior;…this is not new and yet ‘tis new to me. I feel as though the first dawning of a glorious day had risen upon me.”
In a later letter to his sister, Taylor communicated that he was as happy as he had ever been. What caused such a changed…even in the life of a believer? Taylor said, “I am as capable of sinning as ever, but Christ is realized as present as never before.” Fixing our gaze on Jesus is a powerful thing when we are seeking to be holy. Paul the apostle says it this way: "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."-2 Corin 3:18. So, even in my daily struggle against sin, I know that there is hope. I know that I don’t have to fight this battle alone. I can live my life hoping that my battles are achieving glory for God. But I can rest, knowing He has already won the war.
~Holy God, there is none like You and I thank you for sending Your precious Son as a sacrifice for my sins. Help me to hate me sin as You do, but not to make it bigger than You. May I live my life in the shadow of the cross, living in all joy and gladness because of what has been accomplished! Help me to walk humbly before You and the people in my life.~
-Lana-
Come To Me
"Matthew 11:28- Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
"John 6:35- Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger."
HIS YOKE IS EASY, AND HIS BURDEN IS LIGHT
"Therefore, His demand that we come to Him is not burdensome. It means coming to the one who has become everything to us. Jesus did not come into the world mainly to bring a new law. He came to offer Himself for our eternal enjoyment and to do whatever He had to do- including death- to remove every obstacle to this everlasting joy with Him." -John Piper-
"These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full" (John 15:11)
When Jesus demands that we do things- like “come to me”- the essence of these demands is that we experience that life that most fully savors and spreads His supreme worth. When we come to him, he is the burden-lifter, the soul-satisfier, and the life-giver. How awesome! Coming to Jesus means coming to drink. And the water we drink in fellowship with Jesus gives everlasting life. "Jesus stood up and cried out. 'If anyone thirsts, let his come to me and drink'" (John 7:37)
"Whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty forever. The Water that I will give him will become a spring of water welling up to eternal life" (John 4:14)
The demand that we come to Jesus is the demand to come to the fountain of life and drink. How grateful I am that I can go to my savior when ever I am in need and be refreshed by His love and mercy.
-Candace-
"John 6:35- Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger."
HIS YOKE IS EASY, AND HIS BURDEN IS LIGHT
"Therefore, His demand that we come to Him is not burdensome. It means coming to the one who has become everything to us. Jesus did not come into the world mainly to bring a new law. He came to offer Himself for our eternal enjoyment and to do whatever He had to do- including death- to remove every obstacle to this everlasting joy with Him." -John Piper-
"These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full" (John 15:11)
When Jesus demands that we do things- like “come to me”- the essence of these demands is that we experience that life that most fully savors and spreads His supreme worth. When we come to him, he is the burden-lifter, the soul-satisfier, and the life-giver. How awesome! Coming to Jesus means coming to drink. And the water we drink in fellowship with Jesus gives everlasting life. "Jesus stood up and cried out. 'If anyone thirsts, let his come to me and drink'" (John 7:37)
"Whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty forever. The Water that I will give him will become a spring of water welling up to eternal life" (John 4:14)
The demand that we come to Jesus is the demand to come to the fountain of life and drink. How grateful I am that I can go to my savior when ever I am in need and be refreshed by His love and mercy.
-Candace-
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Thoughts from Fergie
No, not that Fergie.
"There can be few more alarming sights than the sight of what we would be were we left to ourselves, of what we are by nature in and of ourselves. It is a sight which few of us are able to bear for any length of time. That is why such experiences are usually brief , pointed but not prolonged. God shows us enough to make us see our need, to break down any illusions we may have had about ourselves. Like a skilled surgeon his knife work is fast, accurate and clean."
-Sinclair Ferguson
I don't think Mr. Ferguson could be more right. Thank God that He does not leave me to myself where there will be certain failure. The sad thing is, is that God must repeat the process over and over again. Somehow I attribute any success I have to myself, which leads me abandon the wings of my Father and attempt to fly solo. In the end, as I am plummeting toward certain death and destruction, the Lord once again swoops in and shows me His grace. Amazing isn't it?
-Kyle-
"There can be few more alarming sights than the sight of what we would be were we left to ourselves, of what we are by nature in and of ourselves. It is a sight which few of us are able to bear for any length of time. That is why such experiences are usually brief , pointed but not prolonged. God shows us enough to make us see our need, to break down any illusions we may have had about ourselves. Like a skilled surgeon his knife work is fast, accurate and clean."
-Sinclair Ferguson
I don't think Mr. Ferguson could be more right. Thank God that He does not leave me to myself where there will be certain failure. The sad thing is, is that God must repeat the process over and over again. Somehow I attribute any success I have to myself, which leads me abandon the wings of my Father and attempt to fly solo. In the end, as I am plummeting toward certain death and destruction, the Lord once again swoops in and shows me His grace. Amazing isn't it?
-Kyle-
Monday, September 24, 2007
The Soul Of Modesty
Hey girls!
I just wanted to let you all know of an outstanding message on the subject of modesty by C.J. Mahaney titled, "The Soul Of Modesty." It is probably the best message I've ever heard on this subject and I highly recommend it.
Check it out!
You can download it free here....
-Candace-
I just wanted to let you all know of an outstanding message on the subject of modesty by C.J. Mahaney titled, "The Soul Of Modesty." It is probably the best message I've ever heard on this subject and I highly recommend it.
Check it out!
You can download it free here....
-Candace-
Friday, September 21, 2007
"Come Again"
I wrote this poem about a month ago to express my heart to the Lord.
Come Again
Potter, have thy way!
My heart—so very hard!
My Master’s molding clay,
Feels a pot broken, charred.
Come again; soft’n my heart!
Fountain, quench my thirst!
My heart—so very dry!
The Spring once loved first,
Now broken cisterns, lies.
Come again; drench my heart!
Healer, let me see!
My heart—so very blind!
Open my eyes to thee,
With thy salve, love so kind.
Come again; unveil my heart!
Lover, fan my fire!
My heart—so very cold!
The flame of my desire,
but a mem’ry, of old.
Come again; warm my heart!
Father, comfort me!
My heart—so very torn!
My tears flow endlessly,
From soul, downcast, forlorn.
Come again; hush my heart!
Come again;
Come again;
Oh, Spirit of God, come!
Renew the passion of my soul;
Come again, and make me whole!
-Amber-
Come Again
Potter, have thy way!
My heart—so very hard!
My Master’s molding clay,
Feels a pot broken, charred.
Come again; soft’n my heart!
Fountain, quench my thirst!
My heart—so very dry!
The Spring once loved first,
Now broken cisterns, lies.
Come again; drench my heart!
Healer, let me see!
My heart—so very blind!
Open my eyes to thee,
With thy salve, love so kind.
Come again; unveil my heart!
Lover, fan my fire!
My heart—so very cold!
The flame of my desire,
but a mem’ry, of old.
Come again; warm my heart!
Father, comfort me!
My heart—so very torn!
My tears flow endlessly,
From soul, downcast, forlorn.
Come again; hush my heart!
Come again;
Come again;
Oh, Spirit of God, come!
Renew the passion of my soul;
Come again, and make me whole!
-Amber-
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Abide In Me
The Lord has recently showed me that abiding in Jesus- in His love and in His word- is trusting that He really loves me at every moment and that everything He has revealed about himself and His work for me and my future with Him is true. I am not idle in the battle to abide in Jesus. But in the end the battle is assured because it does not depend finally on me. Jesus wins. No one can snatch me out of His hand. He and His father are greater then all. Therefore, His demand that I abide in Him is that I keep trusting the one who keeps me trusting.
“John 15:4-5- Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
1. Abiding means trusting in Jesus’ love:
“John 15:9- As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.”
“Not to abide in Jesus’ love would mean that we stop believing that we are loved by Jesus. We look at our circumstances and we conclude that we are not loved by Jesus any more. That’s the opposite of abiding in the love of Jesus. So abiding in his love means continuing to believe, moment by moment, that we are loved.”
-John Piper
2. Abiding means trusting in Jesus’ word:
“John 8:31-32- If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
“This cannot mean merely, “Keep my commandments.” Rather it means, “Keep trusting my word. Keep trusting what I have revealed to you about myself and my Father and my work.”
-John Piper
The context of John 18:31-32 confirms this: “Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, ‘If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth shall set you free’”
-Candace-
“John 15:4-5- Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
1. Abiding means trusting in Jesus’ love:
“John 15:9- As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.”
“Not to abide in Jesus’ love would mean that we stop believing that we are loved by Jesus. We look at our circumstances and we conclude that we are not loved by Jesus any more. That’s the opposite of abiding in the love of Jesus. So abiding in his love means continuing to believe, moment by moment, that we are loved.”
-John Piper
2. Abiding means trusting in Jesus’ word:
“John 8:31-32- If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
“This cannot mean merely, “Keep my commandments.” Rather it means, “Keep trusting my word. Keep trusting what I have revealed to you about myself and my Father and my work.”
-John Piper
The context of John 18:31-32 confirms this: “Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, ‘If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth shall set you free’”
-Candace-
I Cannot Hide From My God
The eye of the Most High,
Is the observer of all things.
Iniquity cannot hide from His sight,
My darkest corners are brought into light.
With my sin, it is the Lord that I scorn,
His Word I despise and disobey.
Transgression is on my very breath,
Why must I believe in this certain Death?
In the secret and quiet places I sin,
But with boldness affront the Will of the Lord.
Praise be to Jesus Christ, I shall win!
For it is "the Lord who has also put away my sin."
"I shall not die."
Is the observer of all things.
Iniquity cannot hide from His sight,
My darkest corners are brought into light.
With my sin, it is the Lord that I scorn,
His Word I despise and disobey.
Transgression is on my very breath,
Why must I believe in this certain Death?
In the secret and quiet places I sin,
But with boldness affront the Will of the Lord.
Praise be to Jesus Christ, I shall win!
For it is "the Lord who has also put away my sin."
"I shall not die."
*2 Samuel 12:7-15
-Kyle-
-Kyle-
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