Romans 9 (NIV)
God's Sovereign Choice
1I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience confirms it in the Holy Spirit— 2I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race, 4the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. 5Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of Christ, who is God over all, forever praised![a] Amen.
6It is not as though God's word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. 7Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham's children. On the contrary, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned."[b] 8In other words, it is not the natural children who are God's children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham's offspring. 9For this was how the promise was stated: "At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son."[c]
10Not only that, but Rebekah's children had one and the same father, our father Isaac. 11Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad—in order that God's purpose in election might stand: 12not by works but by him who calls—she was told, "The older will serve the younger."[d] 13Just as it is written: "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated."[e]
14What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! 15For he says to Moses,
"I will have mercy on whom I have mercy,
and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."[f] 16It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy. 17For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: "I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth."[g] 18Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.
19One of you will say to me: "Then why does God still blame us? For who resists his will?" 20But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? "Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, 'Why did you make me like this?' "[h] 21Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?
22What if God, choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction? 23What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory— 24even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles? 25As he says in Hosea:
"I will call them 'my people' who are not my people;
and I will call her 'my loved one' who is not my loved one,"[i] 26and,
"It will happen that in the very place where it was said to them,
'You are not my people,'
they will be called 'sons of the living God.' "[j]
27Isaiah cries out concerning Israel:
"Though the number of the Israelites be like the sand by the sea,
only the remnant will be saved.
28For the Lord will carry out
his sentence on earth with speed and finality."[k]
29It is just as Isaiah said previously:
"Unless the Lord Almighty
had left us descendants,
we would have become like Sodom,
we would have been like Gomorrah."[l]
I have been thinking more about Armianism and Calvinism lately. And so, this Scripture caught my eye. But, as I was reading throught it for like the millionth time I'm sure I felt bombarded by all that these 29 verses had to say. So many things I've discussed with others lately, in classes in college, and even in my study of Revelations came rushing towards me off the computer screen. So, I don't know which path to take with this passage, so I will allow it to speak for itself for now. This is why I have grown to love Romans as of late. There's just so much of God falling on me like a hurricane blowing onto shore. It's too awesome to really put into words if you know what I mean. How amazing is it that God can speak in such a way to someone like me? How humbling it is sometimes to dive into God's Word, but to emerge with boldness and overwehling love pouring off of you? Will we ask for even more, shall we be so bold to do so? Will be like Moses to tell God we want to see His Glory? Are we such a close friend to God as Moses was to have the boldness to ask such a tall request? I pray so, and if not I ask for all that I need to be found worthy to stand in the crack in the mountain to just catch a glimpse of the glory of the Living God, the Almighty.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Today I'm 30, and I Really Don't Feel Like It!!! And That's A Good Thing, Right???
Proverbs 2
Moral Benefits of Wisdom
1 My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,
2 turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding,
3 and if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
4 and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the LORD gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He holds victory in store for the upright,
he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
8 for he guards the course of the just
and protects the way of his faithful ones.
9 Then you will understand what is right and just
and fair—every good path.
10 For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
11 Discretion will protect you,
and understanding will guard you.
12 Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men,
from men whose words are perverse,
13 who leave the straight paths
to walk in dark ways,
14 who delight in doing wrong
and rejoice in the perverseness of evil,
15 whose paths are crooked
and who are devious in their ways.
16 It will save you also from the adulteress,
from the wayward wife with her seductive words,
17 who has left the partner of her youth
and ignored the covenant she made before God. [a]
18 For her house leads down to death
and her paths to the spirits of the dead.
19 None who go to her return
or attain the paths of life.
20 Thus you will walk in the ways of good men
and keep to the paths of the righteous.
21 For the upright will live in the land,
and the blameless will remain in it;
22 but the wicked will be cut off from the land,
and the unfaithful will be torn from it.
I am thinking about wisdom today since I'm moving towards gaining gray hair...or whatever our idea of "wisdom" in this life might look like. I don't see myself as wise. In fact, I often thing I feel that I need to think more and say less. Too bad I don't always remember that before I speak. :) But, I have had others say that I have wisdom beyond my years because of all of the craziness that I've lived. So, perhaps in some ways I do have wisdom, but I would readily trade all the wisdom I do have for all that my little human brain that could hold of God's wisdom for my life becasue I know that His wisdom is something that has eternal power if you will.
Lord, help us to chase after your wisdom and not our own in the daily struggles, trials, mess ups, and all that come before us that requires decernment!
Moral Benefits of Wisdom
1 My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,
2 turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding,
3 and if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
4 and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the LORD gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He holds victory in store for the upright,
he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
8 for he guards the course of the just
and protects the way of his faithful ones.
9 Then you will understand what is right and just
and fair—every good path.
10 For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
11 Discretion will protect you,
and understanding will guard you.
12 Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men,
from men whose words are perverse,
13 who leave the straight paths
to walk in dark ways,
14 who delight in doing wrong
and rejoice in the perverseness of evil,
15 whose paths are crooked
and who are devious in their ways.
16 It will save you also from the adulteress,
from the wayward wife with her seductive words,
17 who has left the partner of her youth
and ignored the covenant she made before God. [a]
18 For her house leads down to death
and her paths to the spirits of the dead.
19 None who go to her return
or attain the paths of life.
20 Thus you will walk in the ways of good men
and keep to the paths of the righteous.
21 For the upright will live in the land,
and the blameless will remain in it;
22 but the wicked will be cut off from the land,
and the unfaithful will be torn from it.
I am thinking about wisdom today since I'm moving towards gaining gray hair...or whatever our idea of "wisdom" in this life might look like. I don't see myself as wise. In fact, I often thing I feel that I need to think more and say less. Too bad I don't always remember that before I speak. :) But, I have had others say that I have wisdom beyond my years because of all of the craziness that I've lived. So, perhaps in some ways I do have wisdom, but I would readily trade all the wisdom I do have for all that my little human brain that could hold of God's wisdom for my life becasue I know that His wisdom is something that has eternal power if you will.
Lord, help us to chase after your wisdom and not our own in the daily struggles, trials, mess ups, and all that come before us that requires decernment!
Friday, November 7, 2008
A Reminder of Who We Are In Christ
Ephesians 1:3-23
Spiritual Blessings in Christ
3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5he[c] predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace 8that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. 9And he[d] made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.
11In him we were also chosen,[e] having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory.
Thanksgiving and Prayer
15For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[f] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
A couple verses of this Scripture passage was on my Facebook page today, and I decided that I would expand it for my purposes here. I don't have anything really deep about this passage because I think it's pretty straight up. I have often read this passage to remind myself of who I am in Christ because I forget it just that much because I am a very insecure person. I am very insecure when it comes to relationships since most of mine have been very strained in one way or another. I also read this for encouragement that I'm not as awkward or dumb as I feel sometimes because if you've tried to have a conversation with me, I'm sure you understand what I'm talking about. :) So because of these things I also project these weaknesses onto my relationship with God at times.
I think the reason this has been on my mind the last day or two is because I have friends who have similar struggles, misery loves company, right? But, one thing has been different in me since we decided to move to Montana which is the fact that with all the stress, craziness, disorder, lack of a schedule, two moves, the problems with the house, and adjustments that one endures with changes like these that I have had great peace. I haven't been too anxious in general minus the past couple of weeks since I've been sick and on a decongestant which took me years to figure out that was the cause of a great deal of my anxieties. I'm not riddled with nerves or fear in my everyday life like I was in high school and college. Even social situations where I would usually be so racked with nerves that I would just want to hid and never be found has subsided. I still get nervous when I share my deepest feelings with people other than Ryan of course. And, with these other people I will convince myself how stupid I sounded which riles up my insecurities where I feel like I should just avoid them because then they know how dumb I am. So, reading through this passage helps me remember that I may talk like Moses, but God still has a plan for me even if it is just to be the best mom I can be. I have to remind myself that when I think those things I have to turn to God and His Word rather than focus on lies that Satan wants me to believe.
Spiritual Blessings in Christ
3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5he[c] predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace 8that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. 9And he[d] made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.
11In him we were also chosen,[e] having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory.
Thanksgiving and Prayer
15For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[f] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
A couple verses of this Scripture passage was on my Facebook page today, and I decided that I would expand it for my purposes here. I don't have anything really deep about this passage because I think it's pretty straight up. I have often read this passage to remind myself of who I am in Christ because I forget it just that much because I am a very insecure person. I am very insecure when it comes to relationships since most of mine have been very strained in one way or another. I also read this for encouragement that I'm not as awkward or dumb as I feel sometimes because if you've tried to have a conversation with me, I'm sure you understand what I'm talking about. :) So because of these things I also project these weaknesses onto my relationship with God at times.
I think the reason this has been on my mind the last day or two is because I have friends who have similar struggles, misery loves company, right? But, one thing has been different in me since we decided to move to Montana which is the fact that with all the stress, craziness, disorder, lack of a schedule, two moves, the problems with the house, and adjustments that one endures with changes like these that I have had great peace. I haven't been too anxious in general minus the past couple of weeks since I've been sick and on a decongestant which took me years to figure out that was the cause of a great deal of my anxieties. I'm not riddled with nerves or fear in my everyday life like I was in high school and college. Even social situations where I would usually be so racked with nerves that I would just want to hid and never be found has subsided. I still get nervous when I share my deepest feelings with people other than Ryan of course. And, with these other people I will convince myself how stupid I sounded which riles up my insecurities where I feel like I should just avoid them because then they know how dumb I am. So, reading through this passage helps me remember that I may talk like Moses, but God still has a plan for me even if it is just to be the best mom I can be. I have to remind myself that when I think those things I have to turn to God and His Word rather than focus on lies that Satan wants me to believe.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Rethinking The Outcome...
Ephesians 4:14-16,29-32
14Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
I've been thinking more about the election. I've been talking to people about it and reading different opinions. I don't remember what made me think about the Westborough Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas. And I came across their opinion of Obama which was (no surprise) that he was the Anti-Christ. And they constantly do whatever they can to spew hate into the world, as if there wasn't enough of that in the world already.
So, this makes me rethink my own opinion of him. I do not agree with these people at all! But, I do know what my gut says, and it has always said to proceed with caution because this man isn't transparent with his intentions. That, for me, is a huge caution sign. No one but God knows what is unfolding with this choice. But many of us who desire to earnestly follow God are uneasy about our future because we know what is said to be our fate when the Anti-Christ does come if we continue to stand strong in the Lord. Whether you believe we will be spared any of the tribulation or that we will endure some part of it, we are confident that we will have to stand under some level of persecution. I know this undesirable for most of us, but at the same time we long to be with our God. If the latter is true, then the former should be relatively easy to put out of our minds because of the joy being with the Lord will bring us.
It is for this reason that I am not concerned for what is coming. I want to live my life as a living sacrifice, though I know I am not where I should be in this endeavor. I truly want to fully trust God in His will for his people everywhere, and I find persecution as an honorably difficult thing that so many are enduring each day in India, Africa, Indonesia, and many other places all over our world.
So, as I meditate on all these things I was reminded of how we are to reach out in love and let our words reflect the love God has poured out to us by giving us the ultimate give of salvation. What is so easily understood by those who love God with all of who they are, is completely incomprehensible to those who can not wrap their minds around a God who can truly, fully love and yet be be the ultimate just judge.
May these words from Scripture open our minds to God's true love, and not our interpretation of what love should be. God please help us to be awesome witnesses for your Kingdom in the mist of this time of great uncertainty.
14Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
I've been thinking more about the election. I've been talking to people about it and reading different opinions. I don't remember what made me think about the Westborough Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas. And I came across their opinion of Obama which was (no surprise) that he was the Anti-Christ. And they constantly do whatever they can to spew hate into the world, as if there wasn't enough of that in the world already.
So, this makes me rethink my own opinion of him. I do not agree with these people at all! But, I do know what my gut says, and it has always said to proceed with caution because this man isn't transparent with his intentions. That, for me, is a huge caution sign. No one but God knows what is unfolding with this choice. But many of us who desire to earnestly follow God are uneasy about our future because we know what is said to be our fate when the Anti-Christ does come if we continue to stand strong in the Lord. Whether you believe we will be spared any of the tribulation or that we will endure some part of it, we are confident that we will have to stand under some level of persecution. I know this undesirable for most of us, but at the same time we long to be with our God. If the latter is true, then the former should be relatively easy to put out of our minds because of the joy being with the Lord will bring us.
It is for this reason that I am not concerned for what is coming. I want to live my life as a living sacrifice, though I know I am not where I should be in this endeavor. I truly want to fully trust God in His will for his people everywhere, and I find persecution as an honorably difficult thing that so many are enduring each day in India, Africa, Indonesia, and many other places all over our world.
So, as I meditate on all these things I was reminded of how we are to reach out in love and let our words reflect the love God has poured out to us by giving us the ultimate give of salvation. What is so easily understood by those who love God with all of who they are, is completely incomprehensible to those who can not wrap their minds around a God who can truly, fully love and yet be be the ultimate just judge.
May these words from Scripture open our minds to God's true love, and not our interpretation of what love should be. God please help us to be awesome witnesses for your Kingdom in the mist of this time of great uncertainty.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
The Fulfillment of a Completely Wayward Nation...
Psalm 39
For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David.
1 I said, "I will watch my ways
and keep my tongue from sin;
I will put a muzzle on my mouth
as long as the wicked are in my presence."
2 But when I was silent and still,
not even saying anything good,
my anguish increased.
3 My heart grew hot within me,
and as I meditated, the fire burned;
then I spoke with my tongue:
4 "Show me, O LORD, my life's end
and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting is my life.
5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Each man's life is but a breath.
Selah
6 Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro:
He bustles about, but only in vain;
he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it.
7 "But now, Lord, what do I look for?
My hope is in you.
8 Save me from all my transgressions;
do not make me the scorn of fools.
9 I was silent; I would not open my mouth,
for you are the one who has done this.
10 Remove your scourge from me;
I am overcome by the blow of your hand.
11 You rebuke and discipline men for their sin;
you consume their wealth like a moth—
each man is but a breath.
Selah
12 "Hear my prayer, O LORD,
listen to my cry for help;
be not deaf to my weeping.
For I dwell with you as an alien,
a stranger, as all my fathers were.
13 Look away from me, that I may rejoice again
before I depart and am no more."
Tonight our lives are changed forever. I believe we are one step closer to Christ's return. This is strangely bittersweet. I always long for it, but I don't want to live in a nation that these men are running and being backed up by a liberal legislature. We are closer to becoming as godless as Europe. I believe this is the ultimate plan. Because I believe God is in control and behind this outcome it does make me think of what God has planned.
I know that this situation will mean the tax breaks that have helped us will be gone when they should have been a longterm solution. Also, I believe that the immorality that we struggle to swallow today will cause us to puke tomorrow. There will be greater pain and suffering to the American family because unwanted children will disappear as if they were never conceived. There will be an increase in skirting individuals' responsibilities, and we will have to bear the responsibility of the consequences of their instant self-gratification. There will be an increase in the sentiment that American's are entitled to things they do not earn.
Don't get me wrong because I am all for charity to those who truly need it, but today I have heard so many people say that they were in love with the winner of the election because he understands them. And he can provide what they need. What deepens the craziness of all this deep admiration for this mere man is that the young American's are in love with him because he is like Elvis in his time, or Paris Hilton is today. This man appears intelligent, well spoken, beautiful with a beautiful family, presidential, popular, but they don't see the man behind the curtain that is dangerous because none of these things will bring financial success, an actual end to the war they hate, health reform, or tax relief for the majority of us. What I see is the opposite because few understand that there is absolute truth in this life, and they will ultimately have to submit to it despite what they believe.
I am fully confident that God is in control and that He is orchestrating all that is going on right now. But, it does cause me to wonder where we are headed. Are we headed to pure socialistic secularism society just as Europe is? This is what our new president has been conveying will be his intent to move in that directions. Wasn't that why he went to Europe? Isn't that why they love him? Didn't he want the American people to consider how wonderful life would be like if we didn't have anything to worry about because the government would tell us what we want and take all our money? This doesn't give me any comfort because I see the future of our nation becoming so foolish, and they are completely blinded to this fact.
This cements the thoughts that I have to do my absolute best in teaching my girls that this sort of foolishness isn't the way they should go even though it isn't popular. God will not bless those who are popular, but he blesses those who are humbled before Him as well as those who serve Him fully unashamed. We have to stand in one accord to make truth once again reside in this great nation.
One thing I hope this puts an end to is the constant over exaggeration of racism in this country. I believe this proves that sexism is much greater than racism. The worse offenders of this are women themselves. If you don't believe me then talk to some one who feels strongly on either side of the conversation about whether stay-at-home moms' work is equal to their working counterparts. Or even talk about the issues that mean so much to feminist. Palin received the worse critizism from the women on the left because she was pro-life which was blown way out of proportion was the fact that her daughter made a poor choice that pushed theses individuals to crucify her as a terrible mother that worked too much to teach her daughther how to put a condom on her boyfriend instead of actually having any expectations for her daughter to live up to. Also, they said that she was inhumaine because she hunted animals that were placed on this earth for clothing and food, but again she was critisized because she wouldn't murder a baby that wasn't perfect because that's not inhumaine at all in their mind at all.
Lord help our eyes see Your Truth not what we perceive as truth that can only apply to us!
Amen!!!
For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David.
1 I said, "I will watch my ways
and keep my tongue from sin;
I will put a muzzle on my mouth
as long as the wicked are in my presence."
2 But when I was silent and still,
not even saying anything good,
my anguish increased.
3 My heart grew hot within me,
and as I meditated, the fire burned;
then I spoke with my tongue:
4 "Show me, O LORD, my life's end
and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting is my life.
5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Each man's life is but a breath.
Selah
6 Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro:
He bustles about, but only in vain;
he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it.
7 "But now, Lord, what do I look for?
My hope is in you.
8 Save me from all my transgressions;
do not make me the scorn of fools.
9 I was silent; I would not open my mouth,
for you are the one who has done this.
10 Remove your scourge from me;
I am overcome by the blow of your hand.
11 You rebuke and discipline men for their sin;
you consume their wealth like a moth—
each man is but a breath.
Selah
12 "Hear my prayer, O LORD,
listen to my cry for help;
be not deaf to my weeping.
For I dwell with you as an alien,
a stranger, as all my fathers were.
13 Look away from me, that I may rejoice again
before I depart and am no more."
Tonight our lives are changed forever. I believe we are one step closer to Christ's return. This is strangely bittersweet. I always long for it, but I don't want to live in a nation that these men are running and being backed up by a liberal legislature. We are closer to becoming as godless as Europe. I believe this is the ultimate plan. Because I believe God is in control and behind this outcome it does make me think of what God has planned.
I know that this situation will mean the tax breaks that have helped us will be gone when they should have been a longterm solution. Also, I believe that the immorality that we struggle to swallow today will cause us to puke tomorrow. There will be greater pain and suffering to the American family because unwanted children will disappear as if they were never conceived. There will be an increase in skirting individuals' responsibilities, and we will have to bear the responsibility of the consequences of their instant self-gratification. There will be an increase in the sentiment that American's are entitled to things they do not earn.
Don't get me wrong because I am all for charity to those who truly need it, but today I have heard so many people say that they were in love with the winner of the election because he understands them. And he can provide what they need. What deepens the craziness of all this deep admiration for this mere man is that the young American's are in love with him because he is like Elvis in his time, or Paris Hilton is today. This man appears intelligent, well spoken, beautiful with a beautiful family, presidential, popular, but they don't see the man behind the curtain that is dangerous because none of these things will bring financial success, an actual end to the war they hate, health reform, or tax relief for the majority of us. What I see is the opposite because few understand that there is absolute truth in this life, and they will ultimately have to submit to it despite what they believe.
I am fully confident that God is in control and that He is orchestrating all that is going on right now. But, it does cause me to wonder where we are headed. Are we headed to pure socialistic secularism society just as Europe is? This is what our new president has been conveying will be his intent to move in that directions. Wasn't that why he went to Europe? Isn't that why they love him? Didn't he want the American people to consider how wonderful life would be like if we didn't have anything to worry about because the government would tell us what we want and take all our money? This doesn't give me any comfort because I see the future of our nation becoming so foolish, and they are completely blinded to this fact.
This cements the thoughts that I have to do my absolute best in teaching my girls that this sort of foolishness isn't the way they should go even though it isn't popular. God will not bless those who are popular, but he blesses those who are humbled before Him as well as those who serve Him fully unashamed. We have to stand in one accord to make truth once again reside in this great nation.
One thing I hope this puts an end to is the constant over exaggeration of racism in this country. I believe this proves that sexism is much greater than racism. The worse offenders of this are women themselves. If you don't believe me then talk to some one who feels strongly on either side of the conversation about whether stay-at-home moms' work is equal to their working counterparts. Or even talk about the issues that mean so much to feminist. Palin received the worse critizism from the women on the left because she was pro-life which was blown way out of proportion was the fact that her daughter made a poor choice that pushed theses individuals to crucify her as a terrible mother that worked too much to teach her daughther how to put a condom on her boyfriend instead of actually having any expectations for her daughter to live up to. Also, they said that she was inhumaine because she hunted animals that were placed on this earth for clothing and food, but again she was critisized because she wouldn't murder a baby that wasn't perfect because that's not inhumaine at all in their mind at all.
Lord help our eyes see Your Truth not what we perceive as truth that can only apply to us!
Amen!!!
Monday, November 3, 2008
Are We Seeking the Correct Justice In Our World?
Habakkuk 1:2-4
Habakkuk's Complaint
2 How long, O LORD, must I call for help,
but you do not listen?
Or cry out to you, "Violence!"
but you do not save?
3 Why do you make me look at injustice?
Why do you tolerate wrong?
Destruction and violence are before me;
there is strife, and conflict abounds.
4 Therefore the law is paralyzed,
and justice never prevails.
The wicked hem in the righteous,
so that justice is perverted.
Habakkuk was crying out for God to right the wrong in His people. God's response to Habakkuk was basically, "If I told you wouldn't believe me, so just sit tight and watch what I'm going to do. I am going to send the most violent, arrogant, opulent people to deliver my justice on My people. I've warned them, and they still refuse to listen and obey."
I have been meditating on the concept of justice for awhile now. I am a person that wants to see people get what they deserve like when you see someone driving recklessly. It was about a year ago when Ryan, the girls, and myself were going out to Mexican. There was this chick in an Explorer that was driving erratically to the point she almost slammed into the back of us several times. The last time she almost hit us she slammed on her breaks so hard her tires were squealing, and she had to pull off onto the shoulder. As if this wasn't egregious enough she proceeded to pass us in a no passing zone where she really couldn't see the on-coming traffic. I have to admit I wasn't happy to say the least because I had two little girls, one being a little over 6 months old. I felt the safety of my family and myself was being compromised and there wasn't anyone to correct this maniac's behavior. After it was all over, I asked Ryan, "Why is it there is never a cop around to see this type of recklessness?!?!?!? But if you or I have a stupid light out on our licence plate there always is one to make sure we are aware?"
Maybe you have asked yourself the same question because of a similar situation. Perhaps you've even cried out for justice, but haven't seen any. I think many times we even experience similar situations with those whom we share a pew. These individuals seem to live without any thought of the consequences of their decisions, and God seems to not do anything. Perhaps you've done what we've all done at least once because we felt led to spread the truth about true Christian living was to really look like, and later learned that you pushed that person further from God. I think sometimes we get wrapped up in the legalistic list that make us feel like we are godly, and we forget that we were commanded to speak to each other in love. (Ephesians 4:15)
Tonight is the eve of the presidential election, and I sense an air of apprehension. There are so many factors that are in play in this election that has gotten a lot of people feeling trapped. Many are questioning if either of the candidate can save us, if they can steer us out of this darkness. I think this speaks volumes to where our nation is in terms of it's faith. This really saddens me because it's hard to know how this will factor into who will win.
I have to admit that I am like a lot of people and feel that there isn't a right choice in this vote. It's truly picking the lesser of two evils. I am not afraid of what is to come because I know that God is ultimately in control, and neither of these guys can do anything apart from God. I trust God to provide and protect my family. He will be our Savior, not some politician in Washington. Still I pray because I know I still need His strength to hang in there and not be shaken by the uncertainty that the future holds no matter who is in charge next year.
Habakkuk's Complaint
2 How long, O LORD, must I call for help,
but you do not listen?
Or cry out to you, "Violence!"
but you do not save?
3 Why do you make me look at injustice?
Why do you tolerate wrong?
Destruction and violence are before me;
there is strife, and conflict abounds.
4 Therefore the law is paralyzed,
and justice never prevails.
The wicked hem in the righteous,
so that justice is perverted.
Habakkuk was crying out for God to right the wrong in His people. God's response to Habakkuk was basically, "If I told you wouldn't believe me, so just sit tight and watch what I'm going to do. I am going to send the most violent, arrogant, opulent people to deliver my justice on My people. I've warned them, and they still refuse to listen and obey."
I have been meditating on the concept of justice for awhile now. I am a person that wants to see people get what they deserve like when you see someone driving recklessly. It was about a year ago when Ryan, the girls, and myself were going out to Mexican. There was this chick in an Explorer that was driving erratically to the point she almost slammed into the back of us several times. The last time she almost hit us she slammed on her breaks so hard her tires were squealing, and she had to pull off onto the shoulder. As if this wasn't egregious enough she proceeded to pass us in a no passing zone where she really couldn't see the on-coming traffic. I have to admit I wasn't happy to say the least because I had two little girls, one being a little over 6 months old. I felt the safety of my family and myself was being compromised and there wasn't anyone to correct this maniac's behavior. After it was all over, I asked Ryan, "Why is it there is never a cop around to see this type of recklessness?!?!?!? But if you or I have a stupid light out on our licence plate there always is one to make sure we are aware?"
Maybe you have asked yourself the same question because of a similar situation. Perhaps you've even cried out for justice, but haven't seen any. I think many times we even experience similar situations with those whom we share a pew. These individuals seem to live without any thought of the consequences of their decisions, and God seems to not do anything. Perhaps you've done what we've all done at least once because we felt led to spread the truth about true Christian living was to really look like, and later learned that you pushed that person further from God. I think sometimes we get wrapped up in the legalistic list that make us feel like we are godly, and we forget that we were commanded to speak to each other in love. (Ephesians 4:15)
Tonight is the eve of the presidential election, and I sense an air of apprehension. There are so many factors that are in play in this election that has gotten a lot of people feeling trapped. Many are questioning if either of the candidate can save us, if they can steer us out of this darkness. I think this speaks volumes to where our nation is in terms of it's faith. This really saddens me because it's hard to know how this will factor into who will win.
I have to admit that I am like a lot of people and feel that there isn't a right choice in this vote. It's truly picking the lesser of two evils. I am not afraid of what is to come because I know that God is ultimately in control, and neither of these guys can do anything apart from God. I trust God to provide and protect my family. He will be our Savior, not some politician in Washington. Still I pray because I know I still need His strength to hang in there and not be shaken by the uncertainty that the future holds no matter who is in charge next year.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
