"And they said to one another, 'Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?' "
Luke 24:32
I remember the excitement I felt in my spirit when I was in my twenties as God began to make the Bible come alive to me. And still my heart burns within me each morning fifty years later as I open the Word and Jesus illuminates a truth. I exclaim with the Psalmist, "Oh, how I love Your law!" (Psalm 119:97)
Today's Thought: The truth of God's Word warms the heart.
Have a burning day. Love you.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Known By Prayer
"Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him, and He vanished from their sight."
Luke 24:30-31
The year was 1985. Mildred and I had just enjoyed a vacation to the Midwest after resigning from the pastoral staff of a church. The first Sunday back, we returned to the church where we had ministered. The new pastor invited me to participate in the service. As I sat on the platform waiting for my time, people in the congregation did not recognize me because, while on vacation, I had acquired a hairpiece to cover my bald head. Some thought I was there to give a Gideon presentation. When it was my turn, the pastor asked me to pray. As I began to pray, I heard a buzz in the audience. I listened more closely, and I heard people saying, "It's John! It's John!" They recognized me as I prayed. The disciples had heard Jesus pray many times, and as He blessed the food, their eyes were opened to recognize Him. Oh, that people would know me by my prayers.
Today's Thought: People can know us by our prayers.
Have a prayerful day. Love you.
Luke 24:30-31
The year was 1985. Mildred and I had just enjoyed a vacation to the Midwest after resigning from the pastoral staff of a church. The first Sunday back, we returned to the church where we had ministered. The new pastor invited me to participate in the service. As I sat on the platform waiting for my time, people in the congregation did not recognize me because, while on vacation, I had acquired a hairpiece to cover my bald head. Some thought I was there to give a Gideon presentation. When it was my turn, the pastor asked me to pray. As I began to pray, I heard a buzz in the audience. I listened more closely, and I heard people saying, "It's John! It's John!" They recognized me as I prayed. The disciples had heard Jesus pray many times, and as He blessed the food, their eyes were opened to recognize Him. Oh, that people would know me by my prayers.
Today's Thought: People can know us by our prayers.
Have a prayerful day. Love you.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- The Abiding Presence
"Then they drew near to the village where they were going, and He indicated that He would have gone farther. But they constrained Him, saying, 'Abide with us, for it is toward evening and the day is far spent.' And He went in to stay with them."
Luke 24:28-29
Even though Jesus is Lord and King, He does not force Himself on anyone. He abides where is entreated and welcomed. Jesus wants to live in us. He said, "Abide in Me, and I in you" (John 15:4). Dear Jesus, abide with me and in me. I want your presence in my life.
Today's Thought: Jesus abides where He is wanted and welcomed.
Have an abiding day. Love you.
Luke 24:28-29
Even though Jesus is Lord and King, He does not force Himself on anyone. He abides where is entreated and welcomed. Jesus wants to live in us. He said, "Abide in Me, and I in you" (John 15:4). Dear Jesus, abide with me and in me. I want your presence in my life.
Today's Thought: Jesus abides where He is wanted and welcomed.
Have an abiding day. Love you.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- An Open Heart
"Then He said to them, 'O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things? And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself."
Luke 24:25-26
How often Jesus must say, "O foolish John! How slow of heart you are to believe." I, like the disciples, see things happen around me in the world (vss. 19b-24) that I don't understand. And I, like the disciples, know the Scriptures. Yet sometimes I have trouble putting two and two together to understand how it all fits together in God's plan. It takes Jesus to open my heart to understand God's Word. Lord, help me understand all You have written.
Today's Thought: Jesus opens our hearts to understand the Scriptures.
Have an open-hearted day. Love you.
Luke 24:25-26
How often Jesus must say, "O foolish John! How slow of heart you are to believe." I, like the disciples, see things happen around me in the world (vss. 19b-24) that I don't understand. And I, like the disciples, know the Scriptures. Yet sometimes I have trouble putting two and two together to understand how it all fits together in God's plan. It takes Jesus to open my heart to understand God's Word. Lord, help me understand all You have written.
Today's Thought: Jesus opens our hearts to understand the Scriptures.
Have an open-hearted day. Love you.
Monday, October 26, 2009
What????
What???
I need to correct a typo on the Dad's Ramblings for 10/26/09. Instead of "Inquiring minds what to know," it should read "Inquiring minds want to know." I guess this is to keep me humble because I am quick to point out proofreading errors in other peoples' writings.
Actually, I questioned my choice of application of the text when I wrote it. Questions? Why write about questions? But it seemed the Lord confirmed this choice because as I was doing my morning walk, I listened to a podcast by a preacher who, in his message, said that in the red letters of the Gospels, there are 150 questions, and in the book of Mark alone there are 50 instances of dialogues with people using 60 questions asked by Jesus. Of all the days I could have listened to this podcast, it was today. So I think the Lord had a purpose.
Love, Dad
Windows 7: I wanted more reliable, now it's more reliable. Wow!
I need to correct a typo on the Dad's Ramblings for 10/26/09. Instead of "Inquiring minds what to know," it should read "Inquiring minds want to know." I guess this is to keep me humble because I am quick to point out proofreading errors in other peoples' writings.
Actually, I questioned my choice of application of the text when I wrote it. Questions? Why write about questions? But it seemed the Lord confirmed this choice because as I was doing my morning walk, I listened to a podcast by a preacher who, in his message, said that in the red letters of the Gospels, there are 150 questions, and in the book of Mark alone there are 50 instances of dialogues with people using 60 questions asked by Jesus. Of all the days I could have listened to this podcast, it was today. So I think the Lord had a purpose.
Love, Dad
Windows 7: I wanted more reliable, now it's more reliable. Wow!
Dad's Ramblings -- Leading Questions
"And He said to them, 'What kind of conversation is that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?' Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, 'Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?' And He said to them, 'What things?' "
Luke 24:17-19a
Inquiring minds what to know!!! Actually, Jesus didn't have to ask; He already knew. In reviewing Jesus' teachings in Luke (the red letters), I was impressed by how many times in His teachings He asked a leading question in order to engage the listener. Instead of just laying on a heavy truth, He would get into the listener's mind by asking a question. That's a technique I need to develop. So, what do you think?
Today's Thought: Instead of just speaking truth, it is better to engage the person by asking a question and listening to the response.
Have a questioning day. Love you.
Luke 24:17-19a
Inquiring minds what to know!!! Actually, Jesus didn't have to ask; He already knew. In reviewing Jesus' teachings in Luke (the red letters), I was impressed by how many times in His teachings He asked a leading question in order to engage the listener. Instead of just laying on a heavy truth, He would get into the listener's mind by asking a question. That's a technique I need to develop. So, what do you think?
Today's Thought: Instead of just speaking truth, it is better to engage the person by asking a question and listening to the response.
Have a questioning day. Love you.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Clouded Vision
"But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him."
Luke 24:16
Scripture does not explain why they did not recognize Jesus – whether God kept them from knowing Him, or whether their vision was so clouded by their own circumstances that they couldn't see past their grief. I do know that the stress of my circumstances keeps me from seeing clearly. I get so inundated by my own problems, sorrow, and pain that I don't recognize the presence of Jesus. But He is there even when I don't realize it. May I see Jesus even in my own personal turmoil.
Today's Thought: Jesus is present even when we don't sense Him.
Have an aware day. Love you.
Luke 24:16
Scripture does not explain why they did not recognize Jesus – whether God kept them from knowing Him, or whether their vision was so clouded by their own circumstances that they couldn't see past their grief. I do know that the stress of my circumstances keeps me from seeing clearly. I get so inundated by my own problems, sorrow, and pain that I don't recognize the presence of Jesus. But He is there even when I don't realize it. May I see Jesus even in my own personal turmoil.
Today's Thought: Jesus is present even when we don't sense Him.
Have an aware day. Love you.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- A Reasonable Faith
"Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them."
Luke 24:13-15
These two disciples were trying to make sense of the events of the past few days – the Lord's death and now His resurrection. The word "reason" means to question, examine and discuss. This involves the mental faculties God has given us. God is not against a reasonable faith. In fact, Jesus joined the discussion. I believe it is important for believers to think through the issues of faith to understand why they believe. This brings a strong, settled faith. We need to search the scriptures, just as the Bereans did, to see if what we believe is true (Acts 17:11), so that we have an answer for the hope that lies within us (I Peter 3:15).
Today's Thought: A reasonable faith produces a strong faith.
Have a reasonable day. Love you.
Luke 24:13-15
These two disciples were trying to make sense of the events of the past few days – the Lord's death and now His resurrection. The word "reason" means to question, examine and discuss. This involves the mental faculties God has given us. God is not against a reasonable faith. In fact, Jesus joined the discussion. I believe it is important for believers to think through the issues of faith to understand why they believe. This brings a strong, settled faith. We need to search the scriptures, just as the Bereans did, to see if what we believe is true (Acts 17:11), so that we have an answer for the hope that lies within us (I Peter 3:15).
Today's Thought: A reasonable faith produces a strong faith.
Have a reasonable day. Love you.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Worshiping Jesus
"But Peter arose and ran to the tomb; and stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying by themselves; and he departed, marveling to himself at what had happened."
Luke 24:12
Peter went to the empty tomb to see for himself the miracle. But he didn't stay there; he departed. He did not make a shrine or even worship there. He did not build his life around the site of the miracle. In fact, there is no indication from Scripture or history that the tomb ever became a tourist attraction. As a child I visited Angeles Temple in Los Angeles where Amy Semple McPherson preached and where God did mighty miracles. I remember it as a museum dedicated to the memory of Amy. Scripture encourages memorials to remember His mighty visitations, but not shrines to worship at. We do not have to make pilgrimages to holy places to worship Jesus. He is present in our everyday lives.
Today's Thought: We worship the Person, not the place.
Have a worshiping day. Love you.
Luke 24:12
Peter went to the empty tomb to see for himself the miracle. But he didn't stay there; he departed. He did not make a shrine or even worship there. He did not build his life around the site of the miracle. In fact, there is no indication from Scripture or history that the tomb ever became a tourist attraction. As a child I visited Angeles Temple in Los Angeles where Amy Semple McPherson preached and where God did mighty miracles. I remember it as a museum dedicated to the memory of Amy. Scripture encourages memorials to remember His mighty visitations, but not shrines to worship at. We do not have to make pilgrimages to holy places to worship Jesus. He is present in our everyday lives.
Today's Thought: We worship the Person, not the place.
Have a worshiping day. Love you.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Growing Faith
"Then they returned from the tomb and told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest...And their words seemed to them like idle tales, and they did not believe them."
Luke 24:9, 11
What great men of faith!!! Jesus had told them over and over again that He would be crucified and rise again. But when it really happened, they didn't believe it. It sounded like a fairy tale. The rest of the chapter is the record of Jesus revealing Himself to His followers. Coming to faith in Jesus is usually a process. There may be a big "event" that brings Him into focus, but there are usually less dramatic seeds that are planted along the way that we understand only after the "event." And even though I am "slow of heart to believe" (see vs. 25), still God is patiently working with me to grow my faith.
Today's Thought: Faith is a growing process that often only comes into focus after an "event."
Have an event-filled day. Love you.
Luke 24:9, 11
What great men of faith!!! Jesus had told them over and over again that He would be crucified and rise again. But when it really happened, they didn't believe it. It sounded like a fairy tale. The rest of the chapter is the record of Jesus revealing Himself to His followers. Coming to faith in Jesus is usually a process. There may be a big "event" that brings Him into focus, but there are usually less dramatic seeds that are planted along the way that we understand only after the "event." And even though I am "slow of heart to believe" (see vs. 25), still God is patiently working with me to grow my faith.
Today's Thought: Faith is a growing process that often only comes into focus after an "event."
Have an event-filled day. Love you.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Remember His Words
" [The angel said] 'Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, "The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again." ' And they remembered His words."
Luke 24:6b-8
In the middle of their grief, the disciples forgot Jesus' promises. It took an angel to remind them. Sometimes when I am going through the dark places, I forget God's promises. And then a preacher, a friend, or a song reminds me of God's faithfulness to His promises. How wonderful to "remember His words again."
Today's Thought: Remember God is faithful to His word.
Have a remembering day. Love you.
Luke 24:6b-8
In the middle of their grief, the disciples forgot Jesus' promises. It took an angel to remind them. Sometimes when I am going through the dark places, I forget God's promises. And then a preacher, a friend, or a song reminds me of God's faithfulness to His promises. How wonderful to "remember His words again."
Today's Thought: Remember God is faithful to His word.
Have a remembering day. Love you.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Looking For Jesus
"Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they [the angels] said to them, 'Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen!' "
Luke 24:5-6a
If you want to find Jesus, you have too look in the right place. Get out of the graveyard! He will not be found in formalism or dead ritual, or dead philosophy, or dead intellectualism. He is found where there is LIFE! Go where the Spirit of the Lord is evident, because "the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life" (II Cor. 3:6).
Today's Thought: Jesus can be found where there is life.
Have a lively day. Love you.
Luke 24:5-6a
If you want to find Jesus, you have too look in the right place. Get out of the graveyard! He will not be found in formalism or dead ritual, or dead philosophy, or dead intellectualism. He is found where there is LIFE! Go where the Spirit of the Lord is evident, because "the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life" (II Cor. 3:6).
Today's Thought: Jesus can be found where there is life.
Have a lively day. Love you.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- God's Brightness
"And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments."
Luke 24:4-5
Imagine the glory of those angels in their shining garments. It must have been breathtaking. But it must be normal for heaven. When Jesus was transfigured, his clothes became "white as light" (Matt. 17:2). In Heaven, God will provide the light so that there is no night (Rev. 22:5). And we know that the saints are glorious – spotless – clothed with white robes (Eph. 5:27; Rev. 7:9) because we have been brought out of darkness into His marvelous light (I Peter 2:9). All of this points to the God who IS light, and in Him is no darkness (I John 2:5). No wonder I love Arizona because there is so much sunshine. I'm just getting ready for Heaven.
Today's Thought: God is light and He brings light wherever He is.
Have a shining day. Love you.
Luke 24:4-5
Imagine the glory of those angels in their shining garments. It must have been breathtaking. But it must be normal for heaven. When Jesus was transfigured, his clothes became "white as light" (Matt. 17:2). In Heaven, God will provide the light so that there is no night (Rev. 22:5). And we know that the saints are glorious – spotless – clothed with white robes (Eph. 5:27; Rev. 7:9) because we have been brought out of darkness into His marvelous light (I Peter 2:9). All of this points to the God who IS light, and in Him is no darkness (I John 2:5). No wonder I love Arizona because there is so much sunshine. I'm just getting ready for Heaven.
Today's Thought: God is light and He brings light wherever He is.
Have a shining day. Love you.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Surprise!!
"Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus."
Luke 24:1-3
Surprise!!! These women were expecting and were prepared for one thing, but found another. How often I expect life to happen one way and it turns out differently than I expected. Miracles are God's surprises – when I expect the natural and God does the supernatural.
Today's Thought: God surprises His children with miracles.
Have a "surprise" day. Love you.
Luke 24:1-3
Surprise!!! These women were expecting and were prepared for one thing, but found another. How often I expect life to happen one way and it turns out differently than I expected. Miracles are God's surprises – when I expect the natural and God does the supernatural.
Today's Thought: God surprises His children with miracles.
Have a "surprise" day. Love you.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Sunday's Comin'
"That day was the Preparation, and the Sabbath drew near. And the women who had come with Him from Galilee followed after, and the observed the tomb and how the body was laid. Then they returned and prepared spices and fragrant oils. And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment."
Luke 23:54-56
Just because a person's hopes and dreams seem dead and buried does not meant it is the end of the story. It's Friday but Sunday's comin'.
Today's Thought: The death of a vision (a la Bill Gothard) does not mean it's the end.
Have a hopeful day. Love you.
Luke 23:54-56
Just because a person's hopes and dreams seem dead and buried does not meant it is the end of the story. It's Friday but Sunday's comin'.
Today's Thought: The death of a vision (a la Bill Gothard) does not mean it's the end.
Have a hopeful day. Love you.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Out Of The Closet
"Now behold, there was a man named Joseph, a council member, a good and just man. He had not consented to their decision and deed. He was from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, who himself was waiting for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a tomb that was hewn out of the rock, where no one had ever laid before."
Luke 23:50-53
In his Gospel, John adds the fact that Joseph was a secret believer who was joined by Nicodemus, the same one Jesus had told "you must be born again" (See John 19:38-39). These two were Jewish leaders who kept their faith to themselves because of fear of peer pressure. It took Jesus' death to bring them "out of the closet." When push comes to shove, we can either make our faith public or we can go deeper into the closet. I admire Joseph and Nicodemus because they took a stand in the face of rejection and peril to their own lives.
Today's Thought: There comes a time when each of us must decide to confess our faith publicly.
Have an "out of the closet" day. Love you.
Luke 23:50-53
In his Gospel, John adds the fact that Joseph was a secret believer who was joined by Nicodemus, the same one Jesus had told "you must be born again" (See John 19:38-39). These two were Jewish leaders who kept their faith to themselves because of fear of peer pressure. It took Jesus' death to bring them "out of the closet." When push comes to shove, we can either make our faith public or we can go deeper into the closet. I admire Joseph and Nicodemus because they took a stand in the face of rejection and peril to their own lives.
Today's Thought: There comes a time when each of us must decide to confess our faith publicly.
Have an "out of the closet" day. Love you.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Looking At The Cross
"And the whole crowd who came together to that sight, seeing what had been done, beat their breasts and returned. But all His acquaintances, and the women who followed Him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things."
Luke 23:48-49
Here's the difference: Some people see the cross and, even though they might feel a tinge of sorrow, turn away to return to life as usual. Others see the cross and continue to look at it. In Wednesday night Bible study, the teacher spoke on keeping our eyes on the cross. May the cross always be the central focus of my life.
Mercy there was great and grace was free;
Pardon there was multiplied to me;
There my burdened soul found liberty –
At Calvary.
Today's Thought: The Cross is the focal point of true faith.
Have a focused day. Love you.
Luke 23:48-49
Here's the difference: Some people see the cross and, even though they might feel a tinge of sorrow, turn away to return to life as usual. Others see the cross and continue to look at it. In Wednesday night Bible study, the teacher spoke on keeping our eyes on the cross. May the cross always be the central focus of my life.
Mercy there was great and grace was free;
Pardon there was multiplied to me;
There my burdened soul found liberty –
At Calvary.
Today's Thought: The Cross is the focal point of true faith.
Have a focused day. Love you.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- The Death of the Righteous
"So when the centurion saw what had happened, he glorified God, saying, 'Certainly this was a righteous man.' "
Luke 23:47
This soldier had doubtless seen many crucifixions. As an executioner, he had become hardened to the cursing and the names he was called by men facing death. But this One was different. This Man simply released His spirit to God without rancor. The life – and death – of the righteous person is different. The righteous can be identified by the way they handle adversity.
Today's Thought: The life and death of the righteous person brings glory to God.
Have a righteous day. Love you.
Luke 23:47
This soldier had doubtless seen many crucifixions. As an executioner, he had become hardened to the cursing and the names he was called by men facing death. But this One was different. This Man simply released His spirit to God without rancor. The life – and death – of the righteous person is different. The righteous can be identified by the way they handle adversity.
Today's Thought: The life and death of the righteous person brings glory to God.
Have a righteous day. Love you.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- The Committed Spirit
"And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, 'Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.' Having said this, He breathed His last."
Luke 23:46
What did Jesus cry out with a loud voice? Perhaps it was what John recorded: "It is finished" (John 19:30). Jesus had done all that the Father sent Him to do to secure our salvation. Now He could rest in death. Jesus echoed the words of David, where, in the midst of his own trials, he found the place of safety – "my rock and my fortress" – and said, "Into Your hand I commit my spirit" (Psalm 31:3-5). There is a place of rest in the time of trial when the spirit is committed to God.
Today's Thought: We can rest securely in God's hand when we commit ourselves to Him.
Have a committed day. Love you.
Luke 23:46
What did Jesus cry out with a loud voice? Perhaps it was what John recorded: "It is finished" (John 19:30). Jesus had done all that the Father sent Him to do to secure our salvation. Now He could rest in death. Jesus echoed the words of David, where, in the midst of his own trials, he found the place of safety – "my rock and my fortress" – and said, "Into Your hand I commit my spirit" (Psalm 31:3-5). There is a place of rest in the time of trial when the spirit is committed to God.
Today's Thought: We can rest securely in God's hand when we commit ourselves to Him.
Have a committed day. Love you.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- The Torn Veil
"Then the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two."
Luke 23:45
The veil is for hiding something. Women wear veils or burkas to hide their faces. The veil in he Old Testament tabernacle was to keep people from the ark where the presence of God resided. Only Aaron (or the high priest) was allowed behind the veil, and even he could not come "at just any time" (Leviticus 16:2). He could only enter behind the veil once a year to make atonement for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:15). This reference to the torn veil is extremely significant because it means that there is nothing separating us from God's presence. Atonement has been made by Jesus' sacrifice and we can now enter into the presence of God (Hebrews 4:16; 6:19-20). The veil that separated us from God has been removed; atonement has been made for sin once and for all.
Today's Thought: We can enter into God's presence because of the sacrifice of Jesus.
Enjoy God's presence today. Have a good day.
Luke 23:45
The veil is for hiding something. Women wear veils or burkas to hide their faces. The veil in he Old Testament tabernacle was to keep people from the ark where the presence of God resided. Only Aaron (or the high priest) was allowed behind the veil, and even he could not come "at just any time" (Leviticus 16:2). He could only enter behind the veil once a year to make atonement for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:15). This reference to the torn veil is extremely significant because it means that there is nothing separating us from God's presence. Atonement has been made by Jesus' sacrifice and we can now enter into the presence of God (Hebrews 4:16; 6:19-20). The veil that separated us from God has been removed; atonement has been made for sin once and for all.
Today's Thought: We can enter into God's presence because of the sacrifice of Jesus.
Enjoy God's presence today. Have a good day.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Darkness That Can Be Felt
"Now it was about the sixth hour [noon], and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour [3 o'clock]."
Luke 23:44
This kind of darkness happened once before. It was the ninth plague on Egypt, and there was darkness for three days – darkness that, according to Scripture, could be felt. It was so dark that they could not see one another, except in the homes of the children of Israel. (See Exodus 10:21-23.) Darkness is very oppressive. When I was a kid, I delivered newspapers very early in the morning (5:00 AM). If there was no moon and it was overcast, it was so dark I could not see the paper boxes. I hated those kind of mornings. I felt so alone out there pedaling my bike. It was scarey. I can imagine the loneliness and apprehension the people must have felt when God said to the sun, "Don't shine." But it is a picture of people living for years in darkness without the light of the Son in loneliness, fear, anxiety, and oppression – darkness that can be felt. That's why the light of the Gospel is so freeing to the spirit.
Today's Thought: Living in darkness produces loneliness, anxiety and fear.
Have an "enlightened" day. Love you.
Luke 23:44
This kind of darkness happened once before. It was the ninth plague on Egypt, and there was darkness for three days – darkness that, according to Scripture, could be felt. It was so dark that they could not see one another, except in the homes of the children of Israel. (See Exodus 10:21-23.) Darkness is very oppressive. When I was a kid, I delivered newspapers very early in the morning (5:00 AM). If there was no moon and it was overcast, it was so dark I could not see the paper boxes. I hated those kind of mornings. I felt so alone out there pedaling my bike. It was scarey. I can imagine the loneliness and apprehension the people must have felt when God said to the sun, "Don't shine." But it is a picture of people living for years in darkness without the light of the Son in loneliness, fear, anxiety, and oppression – darkness that can be felt. That's why the light of the Gospel is so freeing to the spirit.
Today's Thought: Living in darkness produces loneliness, anxiety and fear.
Have an "enlightened" day. Love you.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- It's Never Too Late
"Then he said to Jesus, 'Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.' And Jesus said to him, 'Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.' "
Luke 23:42-43
No sin is too great and it's never too late for the repentant soul to be saved and go to heaven. Oh, what marvelous grace!
Today's Thought: It's never too late to be saved.
Have a rejoicing day. Love you.
Luke 23:42-43
No sin is too great and it's never too late for the repentant soul to be saved and go to heaven. Oh, what marvelous grace!
Today's Thought: It's never too late to be saved.
Have a rejoicing day. Love you.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- God-Consciousness
"Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, 'If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.' But the other, answering, rebuked Him saying, 'Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.' "
Luke 23:39-41
The presence of God-consciousness is something I don't understand. Why do some people have an awareness of God and others do not? I guess it is not for me to understand. But I know it is true. These two criminals are a picture of humanity. Some people have hard hearts toward God and curse Him to their grave, while others have a soft heart and acknowledge they are sinners before a righteous God. Though it is not an answer, the key is the "fear of God." The Psalmist wrote: "An oracle within me heart concerning the transgression of the wicked: There is no fear of God before his eyes" (Psalm 36:1). I believe the most common admonition in the Bible is "Fear God." There is no true repentance without fear of God. Recognizing that we will answer to a righteous judge brings us to repentance. Lord, let me have a soft heart that responds to You.
Today's Thought: Fear of God leads to repentance.
Have a "God-conscious" day. Love you.
Luke 23:39-41
The presence of God-consciousness is something I don't understand. Why do some people have an awareness of God and others do not? I guess it is not for me to understand. But I know it is true. These two criminals are a picture of humanity. Some people have hard hearts toward God and curse Him to their grave, while others have a soft heart and acknowledge they are sinners before a righteous God. Though it is not an answer, the key is the "fear of God." The Psalmist wrote: "An oracle within me heart concerning the transgression of the wicked: There is no fear of God before his eyes" (Psalm 36:1). I believe the most common admonition in the Bible is "Fear God." There is no true repentance without fear of God. Recognizing that we will answer to a righteous judge brings us to repentance. Lord, let me have a soft heart that responds to You.
Today's Thought: Fear of God leads to repentance.
Have a "God-conscious" day. Love you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)