"When the hour had come, He sat down, and the 12 apostles with Him. The He said to them, 'With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.' "
Luke 22:14-16
The hour had come – not just for the Passover meal, but for His death. "Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father" (John 13:1), and there were things He still wanted to teach His disciples, especially about the Holy Spirit's person and work (John 13-17). I think that is why He "fervently desired" to have this time with His apostles. If I knew I would die in the next 24 hours, what would be my priority? What would be my fervent desire? To make sure my finances were in order? To clear my conscience with someone? To share some spiritual truth with my family? The last hours of life tell a lot about where a person's heart is. The fact is most of us will not know when death is near, so we need to live with fervent desire continually.
Today's Thought: Preparing for death shows a person's heart with clarity.
Have a fervent day. Love you.
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Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- When I Don't Understand "Why"
"And He sent Peter and John, saying, 'Go and prepare the Passover for us that we may eat.' So they said to Him, 'Where do you want us to prepare?' ... So they went and found it just as He had said to them, and they prepared the Passover."
Luke 22:8, 9, 13
The instructions Jesus gave must have seemed strange to Peter and John – "Go and follow a man with a pitcher of water and tell him the Master wants a room in your house." But after following Jesus for three years, they obeyed in faith even if it didn't make rational sense. God's Word sometimes includes instructions which don't make sense. Just like my parents instructions when I was a child. I didn't always understand the "why." I just obeyed (sometimes). The longer I walk with Jesus, the easier it is to trust His word, even when I don't understand the "why."
Today's Thought: I don't always need to understand "why"; I just need to obey.
Have an obedient day. Love you.
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Luke 22:8, 9, 13
The instructions Jesus gave must have seemed strange to Peter and John – "Go and follow a man with a pitcher of water and tell him the Master wants a room in your house." But after following Jesus for three years, they obeyed in faith even if it didn't make rational sense. God's Word sometimes includes instructions which don't make sense. Just like my parents instructions when I was a child. I didn't always understand the "why." I just obeyed (sometimes). The longer I walk with Jesus, the easier it is to trust His word, even when I don't understand the "why."
Today's Thought: I don't always need to understand "why"; I just need to obey.
Have an obedient day. Love you.
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Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Dad's Rambling -- The Passover Lamb
"Then came the Day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover must be killed."
Luke 22:7
Perhaps the richest and most precious type of Jesus in the Old Testament was the sacrifice of the Passover Lamb for the covering of sin. "The Passover (lamb) must be killed." There was no other provision for paying the penalty of sin – not good works, not keeping a ritual, not a blessing from the Levitical priest – but the shedding of the blood of a lamb. Paul called Jesus "our Passover" (I Corinthians 5:7). "Behold the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29).
Today's Thought: The Passover had to die. There was no other way.
Have a forgiven day. Love you.
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Luke 22:7
Perhaps the richest and most precious type of Jesus in the Old Testament was the sacrifice of the Passover Lamb for the covering of sin. "The Passover (lamb) must be killed." There was no other provision for paying the penalty of sin – not good works, not keeping a ritual, not a blessing from the Levitical priest – but the shedding of the blood of a lamb. Paul called Jesus "our Passover" (I Corinthians 5:7). "Behold the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29).
Today's Thought: The Passover had to die. There was no other way.
Have a forgiven day. Love you.
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Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- An Unbelieving Heart
"So he (Judas) went his way and conferred with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray Him to them. And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. So he promised and sought opportunity to betray Him to them in the absence of the multitude."
Luke 22:4-6
What would cause a person to turn his back on Jesus? Besides greed in Judas' character, there was the issue of unbelief. Scripture tells us that Jesus knew from the beginning that Judas would betray Him because of unbelief (John 6:44). Unbelief will take a person down a road that leads to much evil. That's why the writer to the Hebrews says, "Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God" (Hebrews 3:12).
Today's Thought: An unbelieving heart will lead to evil action.
Have a believing day. Love you.
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Luke 22:4-6
What would cause a person to turn his back on Jesus? Besides greed in Judas' character, there was the issue of unbelief. Scripture tells us that Jesus knew from the beginning that Judas would betray Him because of unbelief (John 6:44). Unbelief will take a person down a road that leads to much evil. That's why the writer to the Hebrews says, "Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God" (Hebrews 3:12).
Today's Thought: An unbelieving heart will lead to evil action.
Have a believing day. Love you.
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Monday, July 27, 2009
Dad's Ramblings: Giving Place To The Devil
"Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called Passover. And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might kill Him, for they feared the people. Then Satan entered Judas, surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered among the twelve."
Luke 21:1-3
Demon possession is a huge topic. I personally don't believe that a child of God, saved through faith in Jesus and indwelt by the Holy Spirit, can be demon possessed. As long as Jesus is the "strong man," the thief cannot enter (Matthew 12:29; Luke 11:21). So what is going on with Judas? We know from Scripture that there were holes in his character because as keeper of the money bag, he had been embezzling funds for his own use (John 12:6). He had a weakness for greed. When a person lives in known sin, he is not living in faith, and he opens the door for evil spirits to move in. God says to not give place to the devil (Eph. 4:27). It is absolutely essential to confess and repent of sin, lest we give opportunity to Satan to have room to operate in our lives.
Today's Thought: Keeping sin out keeps Satan out.
Have a clean day. Love you.
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Luke 21:1-3
Demon possession is a huge topic. I personally don't believe that a child of God, saved through faith in Jesus and indwelt by the Holy Spirit, can be demon possessed. As long as Jesus is the "strong man," the thief cannot enter (Matthew 12:29; Luke 11:21). So what is going on with Judas? We know from Scripture that there were holes in his character because as keeper of the money bag, he had been embezzling funds for his own use (John 12:6). He had a weakness for greed. When a person lives in known sin, he is not living in faith, and he opens the door for evil spirits to move in. God says to not give place to the devil (Eph. 4:27). It is absolutely essential to confess and repent of sin, lest we give opportunity to Satan to have room to operate in our lives.
Today's Thought: Keeping sin out keeps Satan out.
Have a clean day. Love you.
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Friday, July 24, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Watch!!
" 'But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighted down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that they come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.' "
Luke 21:34-36
Here's the danger: becoming so wrapped up in the joys and cares of this life that we lose sight of the next. Jesus gives strong warning – "take heed" – and admonishes us to be vigilant – "watch" – in regard to our spiritual/devotional life so that we may escape God's judgment.
Today's Thought: Jesus' followers have a responsibility to keep their eyes focused on Him.
Have a watchful day. Love you.
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Luke 21:34-36
Here's the danger: becoming so wrapped up in the joys and cares of this life that we lose sight of the next. Jesus gives strong warning – "take heed" – and admonishes us to be vigilant – "watch" – in regard to our spiritual/devotional life so that we may escape God's judgment.
Today's Thought: Jesus' followers have a responsibility to keep their eyes focused on Him.
Have a watchful day. Love you.
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Thursday, July 23, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- God's Word Will Remain
"Then He spoke to them a parable: 'Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place.' "
Luke 21:29-32
A sacred cow among evangelicals is that the fig tree represents Israel's restoration as a nation in 1948. As the risk of being heretical, I wonder if we have packed more prophetic teaching about Israel into these verses and how long a generation is than is warranted. It is possible that this is merely a parable about the recognizing the signs in nature mentioned in verses 25-26. This I do know for sure:
"Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away" (vs. 33).
Today's Thought: God's Word will remain true even after our interpretations have passed away.
Have a trusting day. Love you.
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Luke 21:29-32
A sacred cow among evangelicals is that the fig tree represents Israel's restoration as a nation in 1948. As the risk of being heretical, I wonder if we have packed more prophetic teaching about Israel into these verses and how long a generation is than is warranted. It is possible that this is merely a parable about the recognizing the signs in nature mentioned in verses 25-26. This I do know for sure:
"Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away" (vs. 33).
Today's Thought: God's Word will remain true even after our interpretations have passed away.
Have a trusting day. Love you.
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Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Look Up!
" 'And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look and lift up your hears, because your redemption draws near.' "
Luke 21:25-28
I honestly don't know if the global warming hype is true or not. I do know that Jesus predicted cataclysmic events in nature just before He returns. And John echoes this refrain in Revelation. But when we see these things begin to happen, it is cause for rejoicing – not fear – because the Rapture – our redemption – is imminent. So look up!!!
Today's Thought: The "expectation of those things which are coming" is that Jesus is coming.
Have a "looking up" day. Love you.
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Luke 21:25-28
I honestly don't know if the global warming hype is true or not. I do know that Jesus predicted cataclysmic events in nature just before He returns. And John echoes this refrain in Revelation. But when we see these things begin to happen, it is cause for rejoicing – not fear – because the Rapture – our redemption – is imminent. So look up!!!
Today's Thought: The "expectation of those things which are coming" is that Jesus is coming.
Have a "looking up" day. Love you.
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Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Time Times of the Gentiles
" 'But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that desolation is near....And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.' "
Luke 21:20, 24
Truly, Jerusalem suffered desolation in 70 AD and was "trampled by the Gentiles" from the diaspora [see James 1:1 – "To the twelve tribes scattered abroad"] until the Jews once again controlled all of Jerusalem (after the 1972 war?). The fact that Jerusalem is once again under Jewish control is a sign that "the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled," and that the coming of the Lord is near.
Today's Thought: Prophecy has been fulfilled leading to the return of Jesus as King.
Have a "fulfilled" day. Love you.
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Luke 21:20, 24
Truly, Jerusalem suffered desolation in 70 AD and was "trampled by the Gentiles" from the diaspora [see James 1:1 – "To the twelve tribes scattered abroad"] until the Jews once again controlled all of Jerusalem (after the 1972 war?). The fact that Jerusalem is once again under Jewish control is a sign that "the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled," and that the coming of the Lord is near.
Today's Thought: Prophecy has been fulfilled leading to the return of Jesus as King.
Have a "fulfilled" day. Love you.
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Monday, July 20, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Standing Alone
" 'You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. And you will be hated by all for my name's sake.' "
Luke 21:16-17
It is hard to stand alone in the face of peer pressure from family and friends. We want to be accepted. What would give the Apostles, John Huss, Wycliffe, and many others (including those being martyred today for their faith) the determination to stay true to their faith in Jesus even in the face of death? They were absolutely convinced that the Gospel is true, that Jesus died and rose again, and that eternal salvation is only by faith in Him. There is nothing that is worth recanting my faith – whether social acceptance or even life itself.
Today's Thought: Rejection by family and friends because of my faith may mean I have to stand alone.
Have a "standing" day. Love you.
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Luke 21:16-17
It is hard to stand alone in the face of peer pressure from family and friends. We want to be accepted. What would give the Apostles, John Huss, Wycliffe, and many others (including those being martyred today for their faith) the determination to stay true to their faith in Jesus even in the face of death? They were absolutely convinced that the Gospel is true, that Jesus died and rose again, and that eternal salvation is only by faith in Him. There is nothing that is worth recanting my faith – whether social acceptance or even life itself.
Today's Thought: Rejection by family and friends because of my faith may mean I have to stand alone.
Have a "standing" day. Love you.
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Friday, July 17, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- The Settled Heart
"Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to resist (withstand)."
Luke 21:14-15
Is Jesus saying we don't need to prepare for witnessing? I think not. In other places we are admonished to be ready to give an answer for our hope (faith) (I Peter 3:15), and to study so we will not be ashamed (II Timothy 2:15). Rather I think Jesus is saying that in those times when we are called on to give witness to our faith that we don't need to fear because He will give us the proper words. Sometimes when witnessing, the Holy Spirit has brought to mind Scriptures that I had memorized long before. So have a "settled heart" because God is faithful.
Today's Thought: Jesus promised to help us declare our faith.
Have a "settled heart" day. Love you.
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Luke 21:14-15
Is Jesus saying we don't need to prepare for witnessing? I think not. In other places we are admonished to be ready to give an answer for our hope (faith) (I Peter 3:15), and to study so we will not be ashamed (II Timothy 2:15). Rather I think Jesus is saying that in those times when we are called on to give witness to our faith that we don't need to fear because He will give us the proper words. Sometimes when witnessing, the Holy Spirit has brought to mind Scriptures that I had memorized long before. So have a "settled heart" because God is faithful.
Today's Thought: Jesus promised to help us declare our faith.
Have a "settled heart" day. Love you.
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Thursday, July 16, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Testimony Time!
" 'But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for may name's sake. But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony.' "
Luke 21:12-13
"It's Testimony Time!!!" We don't have it much in church anymore. The Apostles had many occasion for testimony as they were hauled in before the magistrates. We may not have that happen to us, but the point is this: God allows adversity – even persecution – to give opportunity for us to witness to His faithfulness, His grace, and His Gospel. Even with a broken elbow, I can declare that God is good.
Today's Thought: Adversity gives opportunity to witness to the goodness of God.
Have a "testimony time" today. Love you.
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Luke 21:12-13
"It's Testimony Time!!!" We don't have it much in church anymore. The Apostles had many occasion for testimony as they were hauled in before the magistrates. We may not have that happen to us, but the point is this: God allows adversity – even persecution – to give opportunity for us to witness to His faithfulness, His grace, and His Gospel. Even with a broken elbow, I can declare that God is good.
Today's Thought: Adversity gives opportunity to witness to the goodness of God.
Have a "testimony time" today. Love you.
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Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Signs of the Times
"Then He said to them, 'Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from the heavens.' "
Luke 21:10-11
In the last 50 years, we have seen much violence rooted in ethnic conflict (so-called ethnic cleansing). [Note: the word translated "nation" is the Greek word "ethnos."] But I have a feeling this world ain't seen nothin' yet as the Arabs and their allies attempt to eradicate the Jews. And as for natural disasters, creation even now groans with birth pangs (Romans 8:22). As we see these things happening – wars, earthquakes, disease, famine, global warming – we can know that our hope is getting closer to reality – the coming of the King!
Today's Thought: All the signs point to the return of Jesus.
Have a "looking up" day. Love you.
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Luke 21:10-11
In the last 50 years, we have seen much violence rooted in ethnic conflict (so-called ethnic cleansing). [Note: the word translated "nation" is the Greek word "ethnos."] But I have a feeling this world ain't seen nothin' yet as the Arabs and their allies attempt to eradicate the Jews. And as for natural disasters, creation even now groans with birth pangs (Romans 8:22). As we see these things happening – wars, earthquakes, disease, famine, global warming – we can know that our hope is getting closer to reality – the coming of the King!
Today's Thought: All the signs point to the return of Jesus.
Have a "looking up" day. Love you.
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Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- War
" 'But when you hear of wars and rumors of commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately.' "
Luke 21:9
War itself is scarey stuff. World War I was called "The War To End All Wars." Why does it not surprise us that there are still wars? Because there have always been and will always be people who lust for power and control. James put it succinctly: "Where do wars and fights come from? Do they not come from your desire for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask" (James 4:1-2). Whether in a family, a church, or between nations, battles rage because of the desire to dominate. As Christians, we are forced into battle as we resist unrighteousness and stand for truth. But may we never initiate the conflict by our own greed. Our wars are not with people, but resisting the spiritual forces that intend evil (Ephesians 6:12).
Today's Thought: Wars are a result of greed and the desire to control.
Have a peaceful day. Love you.
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Luke 21:9
War itself is scarey stuff. World War I was called "The War To End All Wars." Why does it not surprise us that there are still wars? Because there have always been and will always be people who lust for power and control. James put it succinctly: "Where do wars and fights come from? Do they not come from your desire for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask" (James 4:1-2). Whether in a family, a church, or between nations, battles rage because of the desire to dominate. As Christians, we are forced into battle as we resist unrighteousness and stand for truth. But may we never initiate the conflict by our own greed. Our wars are not with people, but resisting the spiritual forces that intend evil (Ephesians 6:12).
Today's Thought: Wars are a result of greed and the desire to control.
Have a peaceful day. Love you.
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Monday, July 13, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Setting Dates
"And He said, 'Take heed that you be not deceived. For many will come in my name saying, "I am He," and, "The time has drawn near." Therefore do not go after them.' "
Luke 21:8
Throughout history, there have been teachers who have set dates for Christ's return, and have lead many people to disillusionment. Even today, there is a radio preacher, Harold Camping, who has set the date for Jesus' return (a specific date in the next couple of years). People who teach such things willfully ignore biblical teaching, and lead the gullible astray. Jesus had some strong warnings: "Beware....Do not be deceived....Do not follow them."
Today's Thought: Jesus warned against setting dates for His return, and listening to those who do.
Have a discerning day. Love you.
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Luke 21:8
Throughout history, there have been teachers who have set dates for Christ's return, and have lead many people to disillusionment. Even today, there is a radio preacher, Harold Camping, who has set the date for Jesus' return (a specific date in the next couple of years). People who teach such things willfully ignore biblical teaching, and lead the gullible astray. Jesus had some strong warnings: "Beware....Do not be deceived....Do not follow them."
Today's Thought: Jesus warned against setting dates for His return, and listening to those who do.
Have a discerning day. Love you.
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Friday, July 10, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Patience, My Son, Patience
"So they asked Him, saying, 'Teacher, but when will all these things be? And what sign will there be when these things are about to take place?' ..... 'By your patience possess your souls....Watch therefore and pray always.....' "
Luke 21:7, 19, 36a
A hot topic among many evangelicals is "signs of the times" that point to Jesus' soon return. And we certainly need to be aware and discern the times we live in. Jesus did give a list of prophetic signs to look for. But more important, it seems to me, are Jesus' admonitions to just live every day in patient expectation. Living in anticipation of His return is more than just knowledge of prophecy. He may return today, or He may return in a thousand years. Patience, watching, and praying are the key words.
Today's Thought: We patiently watch and pray for Jesus' return.
Have a patient, watchful day. Love you.
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Luke 21:7, 19, 36a
A hot topic among many evangelicals is "signs of the times" that point to Jesus' soon return. And we certainly need to be aware and discern the times we live in. Jesus did give a list of prophetic signs to look for. But more important, it seems to me, are Jesus' admonitions to just live every day in patient expectation. Living in anticipation of His return is more than just knowledge of prophecy. He may return today, or He may return in a thousand years. Patience, watching, and praying are the key words.
Today's Thought: We patiently watch and pray for Jesus' return.
Have a patient, watchful day. Love you.
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Thursday, July 9, 2009
Dad''s Ramblings -- Beauty That Lasts
"Then as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and donations, He said, 'These thing which you see — the days will come in which not one stone shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down.' "
Luke 21:5-6
We get so enamored with the externals – our beautiful churches, houses, cars, faces, and physiques. They ain't gonna last!!! That's why it is so important to value the enduring things – like relationships with God and family, our spirits and our character. As Peter put it, "Do not let your adornment be merely outward ....Rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God" (I Peter 3:3-4).
Today's Thought: Inner qualities are more important than external adornments.
Have a "beautiful" day. Love you.
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Luke 21:5-6
We get so enamored with the externals – our beautiful churches, houses, cars, faces, and physiques. They ain't gonna last!!! That's why it is so important to value the enduring things – like relationships with God and family, our spirits and our character. As Peter put it, "Do not let your adornment be merely outward ....Rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God" (I Peter 3:3-4).
Today's Thought: Inner qualities are more important than external adornments.
Have a "beautiful" day. Love you.
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Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Giving To God
"And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and He saw a certain poor widow putting in two mites. So He said, 'Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; for these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.' "
Luke 21:1-4
Sometimes I feel like the poor widow. Compared to other people, I don't feel I have much to give to God. I can't speak, sing, witness, or write as well as others because I don't have their giftings. Yet I know that God doesn't ask me to give the same as others. He does ask me to give my "livelihood" – my entire life and all that I am – to Him. And I gladly do it.
Today's Thought: God calls us to give all we have – not what we don't have – to Him.
Have a giving day. Love you.
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Luke 21:1-4
Sometimes I feel like the poor widow. Compared to other people, I don't feel I have much to give to God. I can't speak, sing, witness, or write as well as others because I don't have their giftings. Yet I know that God doesn't ask me to give the same as others. He does ask me to give my "livelihood" – my entire life and all that I am – to Him. And I gladly do it.
Today's Thought: God calls us to give all we have – not what we don't have – to Him.
Have a giving day. Love you.
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Tuesday, July 7, 2009
DaLong Prayersd's Ramblings --
"Then in the hearing of all the people, He said to His disciples, 'Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts, who devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.' "
Luke 20:45-47
The goal of the scribes was to impress other people. But God was not impressed by their pretense. Is God impressed by long prayers? This is nothing against people who pray long prayers. My father was one who loved to pray, and he prayed lo-o-o-ng. But they came from a love for God – not in pretense to impress others. How long do we need to pray to get God's attention? I have a sneaky suspicion that short prayers are just as effective.
Today's Thought: God hears short prayers as well as long ones.
Have a praying day. Love you.
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Luke 20:45-47
The goal of the scribes was to impress other people. But God was not impressed by their pretense. Is God impressed by long prayers? This is nothing against people who pray long prayers. My father was one who loved to pray, and he prayed lo-o-o-ng. But they came from a love for God – not in pretense to impress others. How long do we need to pray to get God's attention? I have a sneaky suspicion that short prayers are just as effective.
Today's Thought: God hears short prayers as well as long ones.
Have a praying day. Love you.
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Monday, July 6, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Jesus, The God-Man
"And He said to them, 'How can they say that the Christ is the Son of David? Now David himself said in the Book of Psalms: "The LORD said to my Lord, 'Sit at My right hand , till I make Your enemies Your footstool.' " Therefore, David calls Him "Lord"; how then is He his Son.' "
Luke 20: 41-44
Jesus presented a conundrum that calls for some deductive reasoning.
1. LORD (Yahweh) and Lord (Adonai) are two distinct personalities.
2. In the Old Testament, both are identified as "God," yet are one (as Yahweh Adonai).
3. The Christ is identified as human – of David's seed, and the seed of Eve (Gen. 3:15).
4. ERGO, The Christ is both human and God.
The union in Jesus of the human and divine natures has been a point of debate through the centuries. Yet it is clearly taught in Scripture.
Today's Thought: Jesus is the Son of God and the Son of Man.
Have a great day. Love you.
Lauren found her dream laptop. Find the PC that's right for you.
Luke 20: 41-44
Jesus presented a conundrum that calls for some deductive reasoning.
1. LORD (Yahweh) and Lord (Adonai) are two distinct personalities.
2. In the Old Testament, both are identified as "God," yet are one (as Yahweh Adonai).
3. The Christ is identified as human – of David's seed, and the seed of Eve (Gen. 3:15).
4. ERGO, The Christ is both human and God.
The union in Jesus of the human and divine natures has been a point of debate through the centuries. Yet it is clearly taught in Scripture.
Today's Thought: Jesus is the Son of God and the Son of Man.
Have a great day. Love you.
Lauren found her dream laptop. Find the PC that's right for you.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- God of the Living
" 'But even Moses showed in the burning bush passage that the dead are raised, when he called the Lord the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. For He is not the God of the dead but of the living, for all live to Him.' "
Luke 20:37-38
Today's Thought: The great hope of Christianity is life after death. But the great joy is living for God in this life.
Have a joyous, lively day. Love you.
Lauren found her dream laptop. Find the PC that's right for you.
Luke 20:37-38
Today's Thought: The great hope of Christianity is life after death. But the great joy is living for God in this life.
Have a joyous, lively day. Love you.
Lauren found her dream laptop. Find the PC that's right for you.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Sons Of The Resurrection
" 'But those who are counted worthy of that age, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage; nor can they die anymore, for they are equal to the angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.' "
Luke 20:35-36
What does it mean to be "sons of the resurrection?" I believe Jesus is referring to His own upcoming resurrection. John says that we become children of God through our faith in the name of Jesus (John 1:12) – the resurrected One. We were born of God through His resurrection. Paul says that we live in His resurrection (Romans 6:3-14). "Just as Christ was raised from the dead...even so we should walk in newness of life...in the likeness of His resurrection...alive to God through Jesus our Lord." We live as Sons of God through Christ's resurrection.
Today's Thought: We are worthy of heaven because of faith in Christ's death and resurrection.
Have a resurrection day. Love you.
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Luke 20:35-36
What does it mean to be "sons of the resurrection?" I believe Jesus is referring to His own upcoming resurrection. John says that we become children of God through our faith in the name of Jesus (John 1:12) – the resurrected One. We were born of God through His resurrection. Paul says that we live in His resurrection (Romans 6:3-14). "Just as Christ was raised from the dead...even so we should walk in newness of life...in the likeness of His resurrection...alive to God through Jesus our Lord." We live as Sons of God through Christ's resurrection.
Today's Thought: We are worthy of heaven because of faith in Christ's death and resurrection.
Have a resurrection day. Love you.
Hotmail® has ever-growing storage! Don't worry about storage limits. Check it out.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Resurrection
"Then some of the Sadducees, who deny that there is a resurrection, came to Him and asked Him ....'Therefore, in the resurrection, whose wife does she become? For all seven had her as wife.' "
Luke 20:27, 33
I can understand those who not believe in the resurrection of the body. It seems like a fanciful myth, except that Jesus taught it and then He demonstrated it. That's good enough for me.
Today's Thought: Jesus proved that the resurrection is true,
Have a believing day. Love you.
Lauren found her dream laptop. Find the PC that's right for you.
Luke 20:27, 33
I can understand those who not believe in the resurrection of the body. It seems like a fanciful myth, except that Jesus taught it and then He demonstrated it. That's good enough for me.
Today's Thought: Jesus proved that the resurrection is true,
Have a believing day. Love you.
Lauren found her dream laptop. Find the PC that's right for you.
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