- Elijah Legacy by David Davis--a book for those who are interested in the end times and who want to learn how to become prophetic intercessors whose prayers will result in people's hearts turning back to God. This book is about a restoration of the prophetic, the Elisha Generation, the forerunner-finisher anointing, the double portion, confronting the Jezebel spirit, the rise and fall of Islam, and the end-time harvest. What a comprehensive book. (David Davis is the pastor of Kehilat HaCarmel on Mount Carmel in Israel.)
- The Extinction of Evolution by Darek Isaacs. This book teaches about the fallacies of evolution via both fiction and non-fiction. The fictional part involves letters that come from the celllar of Dr. Iman Oxidant; the letters reveal the motives behind evolutionary theories, atheists, and evolutionists. Learn about the mind set from which evolution and atheism were born. (Darek Isaacs is an author, film producer, and speaker. He is the President and Founder of Watchmen 33, an orgainzation that confirms the authority of the Bible.)
- The Power of God Thinking by Keith C. Powell. Through this book the reader will learn how to line up his or her thoughts with God's (as they are revealed in His Word) and discover and entirely new way to think. (Keith C. Powell is the founder and pastor of Crown of Life Ministries.)
- Christ Is God's Everything for You by Harold J. Chadwick. This very Christocentric book is for everyone who wants to know Jesus better. It shows how He is the fulfillment of every spiritual blessing for your life. This book will take readers into the very heart of the Christian faith. (Harold J. Chadwick is the Senior Editor for Bridge-Logos Foundation.)
- Luther Gold (compiled by Ray Comfort). The reader of this book will experience a greater level of faith, and a strong desire to reach others with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (Ray Comfort is the best-selling author of more than fifty books and founder of Living Waters ministry.)
- Jake's Fortune by Ray Comfort with Anna Jackson. This is a Western novel that deals with so many aspects of the human condition, including murder, romance, greed, and faith. This is an exciting novel.
- City of Refuge by Ashley King. This is a very compelling novel that will bring hope and inspiration to every reader. It is good for both adults and young people. (Ashley King is a graduate of Mount Vernon Nazarene University. She lives on a miniature farm in southern Ohio.)
- God Print by Skip Heitzig. This book introduces readers to a fresh approach in self-examination, leadership, and outreach in the context of biblical truth. Learn how to leave a lasting God Print upon the world. (Skip Heitzig is the pastor of Calvary of Albuquerque and the author of numerous books.)
- Uncivil Society--Government's War Against God and the Plight of the Christian Citizen by Adam G. Mersereau. This timely book show the reader what his/her biblical responsibilities are and how to live in an "uncivil society." (Adam Mersereau is an attorney and a former officer in the United States Marine Corps.)
- Dragons or Dinosaurs? Creation or Evolution? by Darek Isaacs. How do dragon legends fit in with the Bible? Could they be one and the same? Darek offers intriguing answers to these provocative questions. (Darek Isaacs maintains that the great mysteries of human existence are answered only through the knowledge of Jesus Christ.)
- Rekindle Your Dreams by Trish Porter. This book by an Olympic champion shows the reader that it is possible to rekindle your dreams, as Trish Porter's life aptly demonstrates. Learn how to realize your desires, become successful, and live your dreams.
- Spurgeon on Prayer by Charles H. Spurgeon. This is a Pure Gold Classic. Learn about prayer from the Prince of Preachers, who spent a great deal of time in his prayer closet and daily sought the Lord. He believed that God hears and answers prayer. (Charles Haddon Spurgeon was a British Baptist pastor who served at the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London.)
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
New Books at Bridge-Logos Foundation
Next week Steve Becker and I will be going to Tulsa to show our books at Empowered 21. Some of the exciting new releases we'll be showing and selling are:
Monday, March 29, 2010
Holy Week
Though every week should be holy, to be sure, this week is regarded by many Christians as "Holy Week," because this is a week that commemorates the last week of our Lord's life on Earth--Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday.
On that first Palm Sunday the people, including children, shouted, "Hosanna in the highest!" They spread palms along the road and honored the King of kings as He rode into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. "From Olivet they followed 'mid and exultant crowd, the victor palm branch waving, and the chanting clear and loud, the Lord of earth and heaven rode on in lowly state, nor scorned that little children should on his bidding wait" (From "Hosanna, Loud Hosanna").
They adored this man, who had brought such hope to the hearts of people, but then things began to change.
After this triumphal entry, things began to grow darker for our Lord. "Go to dark Gethsemane, you that fel the tempter's power, your Redeemer's conflict see; watch with him one bitter hour; turn not from his griefs away; learn of Jesus Christ to pray" (From "Go to Dark Gethsemane").
I wonder what it would have been like to have been in the Garden with Jesus? What was it like for the disciples at the Last Supper in the Upper Room? "An upper room with evening lamps a shine, the twelve disciples, and the table spread; now in our turn Christ bids us pour the wine, and in remembrance bless and break the bread" (From "An Upper Room With Evening Lamps").
Jesus could find no one to pray with Him in the Garden of Gethsemane. He ate His last supper with His followers, but He knew one of them would betray Him into the hands of those who wanted to kill Him.
After taking Him away, they dressed Him in a purple robe and a crown of thorns. They placed a reed in His right hand. He was mocked, scourged, spit upon, derided, and defamed. He bore all our sins and woes. Beneath a darkened sky, He hung upon a tree, and, as the African-American spiritual tells us, "He never said a mumbalin' word."
They nailed Him to a tree, and the Lamb of God was slain for the sins of the world. Behold the Lamb of God!
Jesus died that we might live--abundant and eternal life to give. It is ours if we will but believe. Only receive and only believe--all things are possible; only believe.
"Low in the grave He lay--Jesus my Savior, waiting the coming day--Jesus my Lord!" Death could not hold Him down. Up from the grave He arose with a mighty triumph over His foes! His battle ended there, as death was overcome.
"Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
In my place condemned He stood;
Sealed my pardon with His blood,
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
"Lifted up was He to die,
'It is finished,' was His cry;
Now in Heaven exalted high,
Hallelujah! What a Savior!"
"O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is in the law. but thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).
On Sunday we will celebrate these glorious truths. It is known as Easter, but perhaps a better name would be Resurrection Sunday. Happy Resurrection Sunday, everyone!
On that first Palm Sunday the people, including children, shouted, "Hosanna in the highest!" They spread palms along the road and honored the King of kings as He rode into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. "From Olivet they followed 'mid and exultant crowd, the victor palm branch waving, and the chanting clear and loud, the Lord of earth and heaven rode on in lowly state, nor scorned that little children should on his bidding wait" (From "Hosanna, Loud Hosanna").
They adored this man, who had brought such hope to the hearts of people, but then things began to change.
After this triumphal entry, things began to grow darker for our Lord. "Go to dark Gethsemane, you that fel the tempter's power, your Redeemer's conflict see; watch with him one bitter hour; turn not from his griefs away; learn of Jesus Christ to pray" (From "Go to Dark Gethsemane").
I wonder what it would have been like to have been in the Garden with Jesus? What was it like for the disciples at the Last Supper in the Upper Room? "An upper room with evening lamps a shine, the twelve disciples, and the table spread; now in our turn Christ bids us pour the wine, and in remembrance bless and break the bread" (From "An Upper Room With Evening Lamps").
Jesus could find no one to pray with Him in the Garden of Gethsemane. He ate His last supper with His followers, but He knew one of them would betray Him into the hands of those who wanted to kill Him.
After taking Him away, they dressed Him in a purple robe and a crown of thorns. They placed a reed in His right hand. He was mocked, scourged, spit upon, derided, and defamed. He bore all our sins and woes. Beneath a darkened sky, He hung upon a tree, and, as the African-American spiritual tells us, "He never said a mumbalin' word."
They nailed Him to a tree, and the Lamb of God was slain for the sins of the world. Behold the Lamb of God!
Jesus died that we might live--abundant and eternal life to give. It is ours if we will but believe. Only receive and only believe--all things are possible; only believe.
"Low in the grave He lay--Jesus my Savior, waiting the coming day--Jesus my Lord!" Death could not hold Him down. Up from the grave He arose with a mighty triumph over His foes! His battle ended there, as death was overcome.
"Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
In my place condemned He stood;
Sealed my pardon with His blood,
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
"Lifted up was He to die,
'It is finished,' was His cry;
Now in Heaven exalted high,
Hallelujah! What a Savior!"
"O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is in the law. but thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).
On Sunday we will celebrate these glorious truths. It is known as Easter, but perhaps a better name would be Resurrection Sunday. Happy Resurrection Sunday, everyone!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Our Inheritance in Christ
We are joint-heirs with Jesus Christ. This means that we have received the same inheritance He has. Paul writes, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3).
Every spiritual blessing is already ours. All we have to do is appropriate and receive those blessings that our loving Father has provided for us. Isn't this exciting news?
The Apostle Peter writes, "His divine power has given us everything we need" (2 Peter 1:3, NIV). Everything we need! This is our inheritance as the adopted children of God, who cry, "Abba, Father."
Paul puts it this way, "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19).
What is our inheritance as believers?
Jesus said, "Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of before ye ask him" (Matthew 6:8). He also said, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. . . . how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" (Matthew 7:7-11).
It's all our in Christ Jesus, and more. The Bible says, "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or thin, according to his power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end" (Ephesians 3:20-21).
Will you receive your inheritance today?
Every spiritual blessing is already ours. All we have to do is appropriate and receive those blessings that our loving Father has provided for us. Isn't this exciting news?
The Apostle Peter writes, "His divine power has given us everything we need" (2 Peter 1:3, NIV). Everything we need! This is our inheritance as the adopted children of God, who cry, "Abba, Father."
Paul puts it this way, "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19).
What is our inheritance as believers?
- All spiritual blessings
- Everything we need
- The supply of all that we need
Jesus said, "Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of before ye ask him" (Matthew 6:8). He also said, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. . . . how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" (Matthew 7:7-11).
It's all our in Christ Jesus, and more. The Bible says, "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or thin, according to his power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end" (Ephesians 3:20-21).
Will you receive your inheritance today?
Thursday, March 25, 2010
The Spirit of Violence
I am very much concerned about something: It seems as if a spirit of violence is permeating the American culture at this time. It is even appearing is some segments of Christianity.
Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God" (Matthew 5:9). If peacemakers are called the children of God, what are people who stir up violence called?
The Bible says the following about wrath and violence:
The Apostle Paul wrote, "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you" (Ephesians 4:29-32).
Further, Paul says in Galatians: "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in times past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God" (Galatians 5:19-21).
That's a very strong statement, indeed. Then Paul goes on to contrast the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.
Help us, Father, get beyond the division, strife, bitterness, and hatred that are manifested in the lives of so many today. Help people to realize that the answer is to be found only in the Prince of Peace, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God" (Matthew 5:9). If peacemakers are called the children of God, what are people who stir up violence called?
The Bible says the following about wrath and violence:
- "Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous" (Proverbs 27:4).
- "Do violence to no man" (Luke 3:14).
- "Deliver me, O Lord, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man; Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually they are gathered for war. They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. Selah. Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man" (Psalm 140:1-4)
- "For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God" (James 1:20).
The Apostle Paul wrote, "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you" (Ephesians 4:29-32).
Further, Paul says in Galatians: "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in times past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God" (Galatians 5:19-21).
That's a very strong statement, indeed. Then Paul goes on to contrast the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.
Help us, Father, get beyond the division, strife, bitterness, and hatred that are manifested in the lives of so many today. Help people to realize that the answer is to be found only in the Prince of Peace, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Taming Your Tongue and Fine-tuning Your Ears
We're surrounded by negativity in our world today. It's on the news, at the workplace, on emails we receive, in the utterances of politicians, in newspapers and magazines, on radio and television, and in general conversations at home and in the marketplace. There is great power in the words we say. In fact, the Bible says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruits thereof" (Proverbs 18:21). As you know, some of those fruits are bitter, and they can be very destructive in people's lives.
I remember overhearing something a fellow-teacher I worked with at an elementary school said. She thrust the results of a standardized test in the face of one of our students and hatefully uttered these stinging and condemning words, "See, Richard, this proves it. You are stupid!" I wonder if Richard still experiences the biting condemnation of those words now, some thirty years later.
What does the Bible have to say about the way in which we should use our tongues?
Instead, we are enjoined to speak the truth in love, tame our tongues, ask God to put a watch before our lips, to rejoice evermore, to use our tongues to tell others about Jesus, to pray, and to praise the Lord.
Clearly, the way we use our tongues is a serious business, indeed. Do we use our tongues to build others up or to tear them down? To give glory to God or to glorify ourselves? To encourage others or to discourage them? To plant positive or negative seeds? Do we use our tongues as tools of blessing or criticism?
We also need to be careful about what we listen to. What goes into the ear, finds its way to the heart, and what goes into the heart, comes out in one's life. "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he."
Do you remember the children's chorus: "Be careful, little ears, what you hear? The Father up above is looking down in love, so be careful, little ears, what you hear"?
As adults, we need to reflect on these truths, as well. In the mid-eighteenth century a group of Methodist men, including John Wesley, signed the following covenant (which Bob Gass writes about in the Bridge-Logos devotional, entitled Best of the Word for Today):
"But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ" (Ephesians 4:15).
"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer" (Psalm 19:14).
I remember overhearing something a fellow-teacher I worked with at an elementary school said. She thrust the results of a standardized test in the face of one of our students and hatefully uttered these stinging and condemning words, "See, Richard, this proves it. You are stupid!" I wonder if Richard still experiences the biting condemnation of those words now, some thirty years later.
What does the Bible have to say about the way in which we should use our tongues?
- We should not engage in flattery. "The Lord shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things" (Psalms 12:3).
- We should keep our tongue from evil (including every negative comment): "For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile" (1 Peter 3:10).
- How we use our tongues plays a role in our health. "There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health" (Proverbs 12:18).
- A wholesome tongue is a tree of life. "A wholesome tongue is a tree of life; but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit" (Proverbs 15:4).
Instead, we are enjoined to speak the truth in love, tame our tongues, ask God to put a watch before our lips, to rejoice evermore, to use our tongues to tell others about Jesus, to pray, and to praise the Lord.
Clearly, the way we use our tongues is a serious business, indeed. Do we use our tongues to build others up or to tear them down? To give glory to God or to glorify ourselves? To encourage others or to discourage them? To plant positive or negative seeds? Do we use our tongues as tools of blessing or criticism?
We also need to be careful about what we listen to. What goes into the ear, finds its way to the heart, and what goes into the heart, comes out in one's life. "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he."
Do you remember the children's chorus: "Be careful, little ears, what you hear? The Father up above is looking down in love, so be careful, little ears, what you hear"?
As adults, we need to reflect on these truths, as well. In the mid-eighteenth century a group of Methodist men, including John Wesley, signed the following covenant (which Bob Gass writes about in the Bridge-Logos devotional, entitled Best of the Word for Today):
- That we will not listen to, or willingly inquire after ill concerning one another
- That if we do hear any ill of each other, we will not believe it
- That as soon as possible, we will communicate what we hear by speaking or writing to the person concerned
- That until we have done this, we will not write or speak a syllable of it to any other person
- That neither will we mention it after we have done this, to any other person
- That we will not make any exception to any of these rules, unless we think ourselves absolutely obliged, and then only in conference.
"But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ" (Ephesians 4:15).
"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer" (Psalm 19:14).
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
A mother came into the room of her little girl who had been sick and noticed that she was sitting up in bed crying. She said, "What's wrong, honey?"
On the wall across from the foot of the little girl's bed was a mirror. On the wall above the headboard of her bed was a picture of Jesus.
The little girl said, "Mommy, when I see myself I can't see Jesus." (She had been used to seeing the picture of Jesus reflected in the mirror on the opposite wall as she was lying in bed. However, when she sat up, the reflection changed, obliterating the picture of Jesus and replacing it with her own reflection. This was very upsetting to her.)
It's so true--when we see ourselves we can't see Jesus, and this should upset us as well.
The chorus advises us to: "Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in his wonderful face; and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace."
"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher [the pioneer and perfecter] of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Let's turn away from sin, worries of all kinds, the situations we see around us, the troubles that beset us, and let us turn our eyes upon Jesus who loves us with an everlasting love.
On the wall across from the foot of the little girl's bed was a mirror. On the wall above the headboard of her bed was a picture of Jesus.
The little girl said, "Mommy, when I see myself I can't see Jesus." (She had been used to seeing the picture of Jesus reflected in the mirror on the opposite wall as she was lying in bed. However, when she sat up, the reflection changed, obliterating the picture of Jesus and replacing it with her own reflection. This was very upsetting to her.)
It's so true--when we see ourselves we can't see Jesus, and this should upset us as well.
The chorus advises us to: "Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in his wonderful face; and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace."
"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher [the pioneer and perfecter] of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Let's turn away from sin, worries of all kinds, the situations we see around us, the troubles that beset us, and let us turn our eyes upon Jesus who loves us with an everlasting love.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Jesus' Prayer in His Hour of Trial
As we approach Good Friday, it is important to note how important prayer was to our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ.
Matthew writes, "Going a little farther, He fell with His face to the ground and prayed" (Matthew 26:19).
Prayer was so important to Jesus, because it was His direct-line access to his Father in Heaven. It is the same with us. Jeremiah writes, "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not" (Jeremiah 33:3).
In Morning by Morning by Charles H. Spurgeon (a Pure Gold Classic that is published by Bridge-Logos Foundation) we read, "There are several instructive features in our Savior's prayer in His hour of trial," then he goes on to list and discuss each one (referring to Matthew 26:39):
Spurgeon writes, "Yield, and God yields. Let it be as God wills, and God will determine for the best. Be content to leave your prayer in His hands. He knows when to give, how to give, what to give, and what to withhold."
Matthew writes, "Going a little farther, He fell with His face to the ground and prayed" (Matthew 26:19).
Prayer was so important to Jesus, because it was His direct-line access to his Father in Heaven. It is the same with us. Jeremiah writes, "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not" (Jeremiah 33:3).
In Morning by Morning by Charles H. Spurgeon (a Pure Gold Classic that is published by Bridge-Logos Foundation) we read, "There are several instructive features in our Savior's prayer in His hour of trial," then he goes on to list and discuss each one (referring to Matthew 26:39):
- It was a lonely prayer. We need to be alone with the Lord every day. Such solitude is practically and spiritually helpful to us.
- It was a humble prayer. We must humble ourselves before the Lord at all times by realizing who we are and who He is. In prayer, we are kneeling before the throne of the Most High God.
- It was a filial prayer. We have been adopted into the royal family of Almighty God. We are joint-heirs with Jesus Christ, and we need to cry out, "Abba, Father."
- It was a persevering prayer. We must ". . .contine in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving."
- It was a prayer of resignation. We need to resign ourselves to the Father's will through absolute surrender and death to self.
Spurgeon writes, "Yield, and God yields. Let it be as God wills, and God will determine for the best. Be content to leave your prayer in His hands. He knows when to give, how to give, what to give, and what to withhold."
Friday, March 19, 2010
The Seven Deadly Sins and the Seven Cardinal Virtues
In The Dark Night of the Soul by Saint John of the Cross (a Pure Gold Classic published by Bridge-Logos Foundation) we learn about the Seven Deadly Sins and the Seven Cardinal Virtues.
Saint John of the Cross opens the book with a discussion of the Seven Deadly Sins, ". . .which the soul must overcome in order to enter into spiritual renewal and learn to walk in the Seven Cardinal Virtues through union with love--the love of God."
The Seven Deadly Sins are:
Once we've gone through the "dark night of the soul" and have rid ourselves of the sins listed above, we are ready to enjoy the Seven Cardinal Virtues, as listed below:
May you find than place in your life through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Saint John of the Cross opens the book with a discussion of the Seven Deadly Sins, ". . .which the soul must overcome in order to enter into spiritual renewal and learn to walk in the Seven Cardinal Virtues through union with love--the love of God."
The Seven Deadly Sins are:
- Lust (luxuria)
- Gluttony (gula)
- Greed and avarice (avarita)
- Sloth (acedia)
- Wrath and intense anger (ira)
- Envy (invidia)
- Pride (superbia)
Once we've gone through the "dark night of the soul" and have rid ourselves of the sins listed above, we are ready to enjoy the Seven Cardinal Virtues, as listed below:
- Faith
- Hope
- Love
- Fortitude
- Justice
- Prudence
- Temperance
May you find than place in your life through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Death to Self
This is a rather heavy topic--death to self--yet, it's the only way to fruitful living. Years ago, Logos produced a book by Earl Jabay that was entitled The Kingdom of Self. In this book, Earl told us that we need to overthrow the kingdom of self and replace it with the Kingdom of God. Obviously, this requires death to self.
Jesus said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone; but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal" (John 12:24-25). As with the corn of wheat, we must die [to self] in order to become fruitful.
The Apostle Paul put it this way: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, put Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me" (Galatians 2:20).
How does one die to the self-life? It is accomplished at least in part by letting the life of Christ well up within us and take over everything. This, of course, will require the annihilation of self-pity, self-defense, self-centeredness, and every form of selfishness. It is a matter of absolute surrender of everything to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Andrew Murray wrote, "Notice how Christ uses that word deny twice. He said to Peter the first time, "Deny self." He said to Peter the second time, "Thou wilt deny me." It is either of the two. There is no choice for us; we must either deny self or deny Christ. There are two great powers fighting each other--the self-nature in the power of sin, and Christ in the power of God. Either of these must rule within us.
"Self made the devil. He was an angel of God, but he wanted to exalt self. He became a devil in hell. Self was the cause of the Fall of man. Eve wanted something for herself, and so our first parents fell into all the wretchedness of sin. We, their children, have inherited an awful nature of sin" (From Absolute Surrender by Andrew Murray, published as a Pure Gold Classic by Bridge-Logos Foundation).
Which kingdom do you serve? Are you in bondage to the kingdom of self, or are you crucified with Christ? Are you denying yourself or denying Christ?
Jesus said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone; but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal" (John 12:24-25). As with the corn of wheat, we must die [to self] in order to become fruitful.
The Apostle Paul put it this way: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, put Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me" (Galatians 2:20).
How does one die to the self-life? It is accomplished at least in part by letting the life of Christ well up within us and take over everything. This, of course, will require the annihilation of self-pity, self-defense, self-centeredness, and every form of selfishness. It is a matter of absolute surrender of everything to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Andrew Murray wrote, "Notice how Christ uses that word deny twice. He said to Peter the first time, "Deny self." He said to Peter the second time, "Thou wilt deny me." It is either of the two. There is no choice for us; we must either deny self or deny Christ. There are two great powers fighting each other--the self-nature in the power of sin, and Christ in the power of God. Either of these must rule within us.
"Self made the devil. He was an angel of God, but he wanted to exalt self. He became a devil in hell. Self was the cause of the Fall of man. Eve wanted something for herself, and so our first parents fell into all the wretchedness of sin. We, their children, have inherited an awful nature of sin" (From Absolute Surrender by Andrew Murray, published as a Pure Gold Classic by Bridge-Logos Foundation).
Which kingdom do you serve? Are you in bondage to the kingdom of self, or are you crucified with Christ? Are you denying yourself or denying Christ?
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
An Old Irish Blessing
May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm on your face,
And rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
I love the gentle optimism and strong faith that this Irish blessing conveys. Here's another one:
A Wish for a Friend
Wishing you a rainbow
For sunlight after showers--
Miles and miles of Irish smiles
For golden happy hours--
Shamrocks at your doorway
For luck and laughter too,
And a host of friends that never ends
Each day your whole life through.
Happiness, laughter, and friendship--some of the best things in life. St. Patrick used the shamrock as an object lesson when he taught about the Holy Trinity.
From St. Patrick's Breastplate
Christ be with me
Christ before me
Christ behind me
Christ in me
Christ beneath me
Christ above me
Christ on my right
Christ on my left
Christ where I lie
Christ where I sit
Christ where I arise
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me
Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me
Christ in every eye that sees me
Christ in every ear that hears me
Salvation is of the Lord
This reminds me of the gospel chorus: "Christ in me; Yes, it's Christ in me; Every day, as I go my way; It is Christ in me."
An Old Irish Blessing
May love and laughter light your days,
And warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
With joy that long endures.
May all life's passing seasons
Bring the best to you and yours!
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm on your face,
And rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
I love the gentle optimism and strong faith that this Irish blessing conveys. Here's another one:
A Wish for a Friend
Wishing you a rainbow
For sunlight after showers--
Miles and miles of Irish smiles
For golden happy hours--
Shamrocks at your doorway
For luck and laughter too,
And a host of friends that never ends
Each day your whole life through.
Happiness, laughter, and friendship--some of the best things in life. St. Patrick used the shamrock as an object lesson when he taught about the Holy Trinity.
From St. Patrick's Breastplate
Christ be with me
Christ before me
Christ behind me
Christ in me
Christ beneath me
Christ above me
Christ on my right
Christ on my left
Christ where I lie
Christ where I sit
Christ where I arise
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me
Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me
Christ in every eye that sees me
Christ in every ear that hears me
Salvation is of the Lord
This reminds me of the gospel chorus: "Christ in me; Yes, it's Christ in me; Every day, as I go my way; It is Christ in me."
An Old Irish Blessing
May love and laughter light your days,
And warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
With joy that long endures.
May all life's passing seasons
Bring the best to you and yours!
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
The One Needful Thing
One of my favorite stories in the New Testament tells what happened when Jesus was visiting in the home of Mary and Martha. It goes like this: "Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things. But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:38-42).
What is "that good part"? What is the one needful thing? It involves sitting at the Master's feet, fellowshiping with Him, and learning His Word.
Luke paints a vivid contrast between the two sisters. Martha was busy, frustrated, worried, and quite possibly jealous. Mary, on the other hand, was peaceful and happy. What accounts for the difference? Taking time to be with Jesus. That is "the one needful thing."
Hannah Whitall Smith writes, "Die, then, that you may live. Lose your own life that you may find Christ's life. The caterpillar can only enter into the butterfly's kingdom by dying to its caterpillar life, and emerging into the resurrection life of the butterfly; and just so can we also only enter into the kingdom of God by the way of a death out of the kingdom of self, and an emergence into the resurrection life of Christ. Let everything go, then, that belongs to the natural; all your own notions, and plans, and ways, and thoughts; and accept in their stead God's plans, and ways, and thoughts. Do this faithfully and do it persistently, and you shall come at last to sit on His throne, and to reign with Him in an interior kingdom which shall break in pieces and consume all other kingdoms, and shall stand for ever and ever" (From The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith--a Pure Gold Classic published by Bridge-Logos Foundation.)
What is "that good part"? What is the one needful thing? It involves sitting at the Master's feet, fellowshiping with Him, and learning His Word.
Luke paints a vivid contrast between the two sisters. Martha was busy, frustrated, worried, and quite possibly jealous. Mary, on the other hand, was peaceful and happy. What accounts for the difference? Taking time to be with Jesus. That is "the one needful thing."
Hannah Whitall Smith writes, "Die, then, that you may live. Lose your own life that you may find Christ's life. The caterpillar can only enter into the butterfly's kingdom by dying to its caterpillar life, and emerging into the resurrection life of the butterfly; and just so can we also only enter into the kingdom of God by the way of a death out of the kingdom of self, and an emergence into the resurrection life of Christ. Let everything go, then, that belongs to the natural; all your own notions, and plans, and ways, and thoughts; and accept in their stead God's plans, and ways, and thoughts. Do this faithfully and do it persistently, and you shall come at last to sit on His throne, and to reign with Him in an interior kingdom which shall break in pieces and consume all other kingdoms, and shall stand for ever and ever" (From The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith--a Pure Gold Classic published by Bridge-Logos Foundation.)
Monday, March 15, 2010
What Really Counts?
The older I get the more I realize that I've wasted a good part of my life on trivial matters--matters of little concern or importance. I believe the Apostle Paul hits the nail on the head when he says, "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love" (Galatians 5:6, NIV).
This goes right along with what the Great Apostle said in 1 Corinthians 13: "And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love" (1 Corinthians 13:13, NIV). Paul introduced this chapter with these words: "And now I will show you the most excellent way" (1 Corinthians 12:31, NIV).
Yes, love is the only thing that counts, the most excellent way, and the greatest of the Christian attributes. In fact, it is the mark of a true Christian. Jesus said, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. by this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:35, NIV).
The relationships in our lives should be very precious to us. We need to love one another. Without love, we are like "a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal" (1 Corinthians 13:1, NIV). Who wants to be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal?
Let us remember these words today: "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love" (1 John 4:7-8, NIV).
For a fuller treatment of this vitally important topic, please read our Pure Gold Classic--The Greatest Thing in the World by Henry Drummond.
This goes right along with what the Great Apostle said in 1 Corinthians 13: "And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love" (1 Corinthians 13:13, NIV). Paul introduced this chapter with these words: "And now I will show you the most excellent way" (1 Corinthians 12:31, NIV).
Yes, love is the only thing that counts, the most excellent way, and the greatest of the Christian attributes. In fact, it is the mark of a true Christian. Jesus said, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. by this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:35, NIV).
The relationships in our lives should be very precious to us. We need to love one another. Without love, we are like "a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal" (1 Corinthians 13:1, NIV). Who wants to be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal?
Let us remember these words today: "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love" (1 John 4:7-8, NIV).
For a fuller treatment of this vitally important topic, please read our Pure Gold Classic--The Greatest Thing in the World by Henry Drummond.
Friday, March 12, 2010
In the World, but Not of It
As I become aware of all that is taking place in our world today, I realize more and more how fortunate we are to be in the world, but not of it. Indeed, we are citizens of the Kingdom of God, not this kingdom of darkness.
As members of the Kingdom of God, we should be following the words of Jesus, who said, "Ye are the salt of the earth. . . .Ye are the light of the world, a city that is set on an hill cannot be hid" (Matthew 5:13-14).
The saltier we become, the thirstier other will be, and we will be able to help them quench their thirst with the rivers of living water that flow from us. To quench the darkness in our world today we need to shine as lights.
"This little light of mine. I'm gonna let it shine.'
When Art Katz, a former Logos author, was a young hippie hitchiking through Germany in the sixties, a man who picked him up simply said, "You know, all the problems in our world would be solved if we simply followed one command of Jesus." Art asked, "What was that?" The German said, "Follow me." Art said it was as if those words penetrated his heart and set off an explosion.
It's true--if we followed Jesus in all things, particularly with regard to His supreme commandment to love God and others, everything would change. Instead of this, however, we get caught up in the ways of this world.
There are a lot of angry Christians today who are not reflecting the love of Jesus when it comes to politics, the economy, etc. Instead of shining as lights and walking in love, they contribute to the darkness and hate around them.
Let's follow Jesus, remembering that though we're in the world, we're not of it. What we really need is an heaven-born spiritual revival that will sweep our world clean. It's time to return to our first love and let our light shine wherever we are.
As members of the Kingdom of God, we should be following the words of Jesus, who said, "Ye are the salt of the earth. . . .Ye are the light of the world, a city that is set on an hill cannot be hid" (Matthew 5:13-14).
The saltier we become, the thirstier other will be, and we will be able to help them quench their thirst with the rivers of living water that flow from us. To quench the darkness in our world today we need to shine as lights.
"This little light of mine. I'm gonna let it shine.'
When Art Katz, a former Logos author, was a young hippie hitchiking through Germany in the sixties, a man who picked him up simply said, "You know, all the problems in our world would be solved if we simply followed one command of Jesus." Art asked, "What was that?" The German said, "Follow me." Art said it was as if those words penetrated his heart and set off an explosion.
It's true--if we followed Jesus in all things, particularly with regard to His supreme commandment to love God and others, everything would change. Instead of this, however, we get caught up in the ways of this world.
There are a lot of angry Christians today who are not reflecting the love of Jesus when it comes to politics, the economy, etc. Instead of shining as lights and walking in love, they contribute to the darkness and hate around them.
Let's follow Jesus, remembering that though we're in the world, we're not of it. What we really need is an heaven-born spiritual revival that will sweep our world clean. It's time to return to our first love and let our light shine wherever we are.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
The Creation
The late professor and botanist Edwin Conklin very perceptively stated, "The probability of life originating from accident is comparable to the probability of an unabridged dictionary resulting from an explosion in a printing shop." I like this very apt comparison.
When noted atheist Richard Dawkins was asked by Ben Stein how he thought mankind came to be, the atheist speculated that we might have come from some species of alien life. (See the movie "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed.") I think Dawkins' response requires more faith than believing the account of creation we find in the Bible. (See Genesis 1-3.)
Here at Bridge-Logos Foundation we have several books that deal with this important topic, including a new one entitled The Extinction of Evolution by Darek Isaacs. I highly recommend this cleverly written treatment of the subject.
We also have several books on this subject by Ray Comfort, including God Doesn't Believe in Atheists, How to Know God Exists, and Intelligent Design Versus Evolution. I personally recommend and heartily endorse these excellent works by one of the leading Christian apologists of our time.
In the near future we will be releasing another book by Darek Isaacs. It is entitled Dragons or Dinosaurs? This informative book shows how dinosaurs and dragons may be one in the same and answers the question, "Did men live in the time of dinosaurs?"
Anything as well-ordered as our universe and our planet must have had a Creator--the Master Designer of All Things. I don't think there can be much doubt about this.
When noted atheist Richard Dawkins was asked by Ben Stein how he thought mankind came to be, the atheist speculated that we might have come from some species of alien life. (See the movie "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed.") I think Dawkins' response requires more faith than believing the account of creation we find in the Bible. (See Genesis 1-3.)
Here at Bridge-Logos Foundation we have several books that deal with this important topic, including a new one entitled The Extinction of Evolution by Darek Isaacs. I highly recommend this cleverly written treatment of the subject.
We also have several books on this subject by Ray Comfort, including God Doesn't Believe in Atheists, How to Know God Exists, and Intelligent Design Versus Evolution. I personally recommend and heartily endorse these excellent works by one of the leading Christian apologists of our time.
In the near future we will be releasing another book by Darek Isaacs. It is entitled Dragons or Dinosaurs? This informative book shows how dinosaurs and dragons may be one in the same and answers the question, "Did men live in the time of dinosaurs?"
Anything as well-ordered as our universe and our planet must have had a Creator--the Master Designer of All Things. I don't think there can be much doubt about this.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
There Is Power in the Blood
Charles Haddon Spurgeon wrote, "There is no motive for holiness so great as that which streams from the veins of Christ. And 'precious,' unspeakably precious, is this blood, because it has an overcoming power. 'They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb.' How could they do otherwise? Those who fight with the precious blood of Jesus Christ, fight with a weapon that cannot know defeat. By trusting the power of Jesus' blood, we will always conquer!" (From Morning by Morning by Charles Haddon Spurgeon, a Pure Gold Classic from Bridge-Logos Foundation.)
The blood of Christ redeems us from sin. ("But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin"--1 John 1:7.)
The blood of Christ atones for our sins. ("And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement"--Romans 4:11.)
The blood of Christ heals us. ("But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed"--Isaiah 53:5).
The blood of Christ preserves us and protects us. ("For the Lord will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the Lord will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you"--Exodus 12:23).
The blood of Christ sanctifies us. ("Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate"--Hebrews 13:12).
The blood of Christ give us overcoming power. ("And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death"--Revelation 12:11).
Praise God for the blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Would you be free from your burden of sin? There's power in the blood. There's wonderful power in the blood.
The blood of Christ redeems us from sin. ("But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin"--1 John 1:7.)
The blood of Christ atones for our sins. ("And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement"--Romans 4:11.)
The blood of Christ heals us. ("But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed"--Isaiah 53:5).
The blood of Christ preserves us and protects us. ("For the Lord will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the Lord will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you"--Exodus 12:23).
The blood of Christ sanctifies us. ("Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate"--Hebrews 13:12).
The blood of Christ give us overcoming power. ("And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death"--Revelation 12:11).
Praise God for the blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Would you be free from your burden of sin? There's power in the blood. There's wonderful power in the blood.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Harold Hill--How to Live Like a King's Kid
I got to know Harold Hill fairly well in the early seventies, and I loved his sense of humor. He was an engineer and recovering alcoholic who found new life, hope, and blessing in the Lord Jesus Christ. God blessed Harold with many miracles.
He wrote several Christian books, including How to Live Like a King's Kid and From Goo to You by the Way of the Zoo. Like him, his books are unique and inspiring, and they often reflect the sense of humor that was Harold's hallmark.
I would like to encourage you to read How to Live Like a King's Kid. It is still published by Bridge-Logos Foundation. Take a look at some of the chapter titles in this how-to book: How to Succeed in Everything; How to Stop Drinking; How to Get Out of Quick-mud; How to Start Over; How to Stop Gambling; How to Get More for Your Money; How to Get Rid of an Aching Back; How to Fail at Witnessing; etc. Wow! It's actually 28 how-to books in one.
Here is a quote from the book that is worthy of our attention: "I've learned that one of the most important things to learn if we want to live like King's kids is to trust the King with every problem, every fault, every sin, every impossible thing in our lives. He--and He alone--can make us fit for His Kingdom. As long as we keep trying to do anything by our own willpower, keeping the glory for ourselves, we are doomed to stay in our own puny kingdom of wretchedness and defeat. But King's kids loose everything to the King, and He sets them free to enter the gates of His Kingdom of Heaven."
Remember, a King's kid is either a prince or a princess in God's royal family--a joint-heir with Jesus--a knight in the Lord's army.
I thank God that I knew Harold Hill. He showed us how to live the life of a King's kid.
He wrote several Christian books, including How to Live Like a King's Kid and From Goo to You by the Way of the Zoo. Like him, his books are unique and inspiring, and they often reflect the sense of humor that was Harold's hallmark.
I would like to encourage you to read How to Live Like a King's Kid. It is still published by Bridge-Logos Foundation. Take a look at some of the chapter titles in this how-to book: How to Succeed in Everything; How to Stop Drinking; How to Get Out of Quick-mud; How to Start Over; How to Stop Gambling; How to Get More for Your Money; How to Get Rid of an Aching Back; How to Fail at Witnessing; etc. Wow! It's actually 28 how-to books in one.
Here is a quote from the book that is worthy of our attention: "I've learned that one of the most important things to learn if we want to live like King's kids is to trust the King with every problem, every fault, every sin, every impossible thing in our lives. He--and He alone--can make us fit for His Kingdom. As long as we keep trying to do anything by our own willpower, keeping the glory for ourselves, we are doomed to stay in our own puny kingdom of wretchedness and defeat. But King's kids loose everything to the King, and He sets them free to enter the gates of His Kingdom of Heaven."
Remember, a King's kid is either a prince or a princess in God's royal family--a joint-heir with Jesus--a knight in the Lord's army.
I thank God that I knew Harold Hill. He showed us how to live the life of a King's kid.
Monday, March 8, 2010
The Lord Is My Shepherd
The first line of Psalm 23 contains at least three metaphors. Two are stated and one is implied. The first is found in the word "lord." A lord, as you know, is a nobleman--one who has great power and authority, a ruler, and a master. This is an appropriate figure of speech in reference to the Lord Jesus Christ, to be sure.
The second metaphor is seen in the word "shepherd." A shepherd, as you know, takes care of his sheep by protecting them, providing for them, leading them, giving the food, water, and shelter. What an apt metaphor this is for our Lord Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd of the sheep.
The implied metaphor would be found in the truth that if God is our Shepherd, then we must be sheep. What are the behaviors and mannerisms of sheep? They need a leader. They need protection. They need to be taken care of. Some would even say they're not very bright! We are sheep, indeed, and thank God we have a Shepherd who takes care of us.
Because He does, we never suffer want. Paul writes, "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19). His grace is sufficient for us.
Take time today to meditate on these words that were written by David: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; they rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever" (Psalm 23).
Are you a helpless sheep? Is the Lord your Shepherd? What does this Psalm mean to you?
The second metaphor is seen in the word "shepherd." A shepherd, as you know, takes care of his sheep by protecting them, providing for them, leading them, giving the food, water, and shelter. What an apt metaphor this is for our Lord Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd of the sheep.
The implied metaphor would be found in the truth that if God is our Shepherd, then we must be sheep. What are the behaviors and mannerisms of sheep? They need a leader. They need protection. They need to be taken care of. Some would even say they're not very bright! We are sheep, indeed, and thank God we have a Shepherd who takes care of us.
Because He does, we never suffer want. Paul writes, "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19). His grace is sufficient for us.
Take time today to meditate on these words that were written by David: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; they rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever" (Psalm 23).
Are you a helpless sheep? Is the Lord your Shepherd? What does this Psalm mean to you?
Friday, March 5, 2010
Ask, Seek, Knock--ASK
When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray He provided them with a model prayer that is sometimes known as the Lord's Prayer. It's a model prayer in that it reveals the components of Christian prayer in a few words. Those components include the following:
There's another acronym that relates to prayer as well:
Have you been asking, seeking, and knocking? As you do so, you will learn that God will make a way for you even when it seems as if there is no way. He is the Way-maker in our lives.
Tennyson wrote, "More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of." I wholeheartedly agree with him. This is especially true when we learn to pray according to the will of God, which is fully revealed in His Word. The Bible says, "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him" (1 John 5:14-15).
One of our Bridge-Logos authors, Pastor Jack Hayford, writes, "The only point of confusion lies in a misunderstanding of the verb 'ask.' Its tense in Greek conveys the idea of continual asking. But that is not a command to ask repeatedly for the same thing in order to force God into action. The continuality which Jesus wants is in ceaseless petitioning. In other words, you need never hesitate to ask for something just because you asked for something else earlier. Any hint that heaven "gets too busy" with earlier requests to have either time or supply for the next is pure folly.
"Here's the message of the parable: 1. You have a friend in the Heavenly Father. He's on your side, and available anytime, in every circumstance. 2. Boldness is your privilege. Your assignment is to ask; His commitment is to give--as much as you need.
"This is the beginning: 'Seeking' and 'knocking' are further steps as one walks the pathway of prayer. But we need to get started, and this is probably the greatest need facing us today: too many hesitate to pray. they hesitate through a sense of unworthiness, a feeling of distance from deity, a wondering about God's will in the matter, a concern over 'if it's okay,' and uncertainty of how much to ask for, a fear that God won't hear.
"Jesus strikes the death blow to such hesitancy: ask. Ask with unabashed forwardness; ask with shameless boldness! He commands. And when you do, He clearly teaches, "Your friend, My Father, will rise to the occasion and see that everything you need is provided." (Taken from Prayer Is Invading the Impossible by Jack Hayford. Published by Bridge-Logos Foundation in Alachua, Florida.)
- Adoration
- Confession.
- Thanksgiving
- Supplication
There's another acronym that relates to prayer as well:
- Ask
- Seek
- Knock
Have you been asking, seeking, and knocking? As you do so, you will learn that God will make a way for you even when it seems as if there is no way. He is the Way-maker in our lives.
Tennyson wrote, "More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of." I wholeheartedly agree with him. This is especially true when we learn to pray according to the will of God, which is fully revealed in His Word. The Bible says, "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him" (1 John 5:14-15).
One of our Bridge-Logos authors, Pastor Jack Hayford, writes, "The only point of confusion lies in a misunderstanding of the verb 'ask.' Its tense in Greek conveys the idea of continual asking. But that is not a command to ask repeatedly for the same thing in order to force God into action. The continuality which Jesus wants is in ceaseless petitioning. In other words, you need never hesitate to ask for something just because you asked for something else earlier. Any hint that heaven "gets too busy" with earlier requests to have either time or supply for the next is pure folly.
"Here's the message of the parable: 1. You have a friend in the Heavenly Father. He's on your side, and available anytime, in every circumstance. 2. Boldness is your privilege. Your assignment is to ask; His commitment is to give--as much as you need.
"This is the beginning: 'Seeking' and 'knocking' are further steps as one walks the pathway of prayer. But we need to get started, and this is probably the greatest need facing us today: too many hesitate to pray. they hesitate through a sense of unworthiness, a feeling of distance from deity, a wondering about God's will in the matter, a concern over 'if it's okay,' and uncertainty of how much to ask for, a fear that God won't hear.
"Jesus strikes the death blow to such hesitancy: ask. Ask with unabashed forwardness; ask with shameless boldness! He commands. And when you do, He clearly teaches, "Your friend, My Father, will rise to the occasion and see that everything you need is provided." (Taken from Prayer Is Invading the Impossible by Jack Hayford. Published by Bridge-Logos Foundation in Alachua, Florida.)
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Madame Guyon and the Lord's Prayer
I've been preparing the study guide to accompany one of our Pure Gold Classics, all of which have study guides, a timeline, an audio-excerpts download, illustrations, biographies, detailed indexes, and many other helpful features. Each one has been updated so that modern-English readers will find their reading of these classics to be user-friendly.
As you know, language changes over the years in all its systems, including morphology, semantics, phonology, and syntax. Sometimes the meanings of words and idioms broaden and sometimes they narrow. Our editors endeavor to be sensitive to these changes and make revisions accordingly.
Currently I'm working on the study guide for Experiencing Union With God Through Inner Prayer and The Way and Results of Union With God by Madame Jeanne Guyon, which was revised in modern English by our Senior Editor, Harold J. Chadwick. In this case the book had to be translated into English from its orginal French, so it is a book that has undergone several changes through the years.
Nonetheless, its profound spiritual impact continues to minister deeply to people around the world. Madame Guyon was known as "the woman who loved Christ too much," and her deep love of Him caused her to be severely persecuted. She even had to spend time in the Bastille, where she developed a serious illness. Nevertheless, she persevered in her faith and continued to write and teach on prayer, the inner life, the Law of Central Tendency, and knowing God intimately.
Here is one of the things she said about the Lord's Prayer: "Now they should repeat the Lord's prayer [slowly] in their native language. [As they do], they should think a little while about the meaning of the words, ['Our Father, who art in heaven'], and the infinite willingenss of God, who dwells within them, to become truly "their Father." In this state, let them pour out their wants before Him. When they [softly] speak the name of Father, they should remain a few moments in a reverential silence, wating to have the will of their heavenly Father made known to them."
Her teaching on meditative and contemplative prayer has never been surpassed, in my opinion. Madame Guyon's teachings have influenced so many, including John Wesley, Count Zinzendorf, George Fox, Jesse Penn-Lewis, Hudson Taylor, Watchman Nee, Paul Billheimer, and me. I highly recommend that you read this book and begin the adventure of inner prayer and experiencing God.
As you know, language changes over the years in all its systems, including morphology, semantics, phonology, and syntax. Sometimes the meanings of words and idioms broaden and sometimes they narrow. Our editors endeavor to be sensitive to these changes and make revisions accordingly.
Currently I'm working on the study guide for Experiencing Union With God Through Inner Prayer and The Way and Results of Union With God by Madame Jeanne Guyon, which was revised in modern English by our Senior Editor, Harold J. Chadwick. In this case the book had to be translated into English from its orginal French, so it is a book that has undergone several changes through the years.
Nonetheless, its profound spiritual impact continues to minister deeply to people around the world. Madame Guyon was known as "the woman who loved Christ too much," and her deep love of Him caused her to be severely persecuted. She even had to spend time in the Bastille, where she developed a serious illness. Nevertheless, she persevered in her faith and continued to write and teach on prayer, the inner life, the Law of Central Tendency, and knowing God intimately.
Here is one of the things she said about the Lord's Prayer: "Now they should repeat the Lord's prayer [slowly] in their native language. [As they do], they should think a little while about the meaning of the words, ['Our Father, who art in heaven'], and the infinite willingenss of God, who dwells within them, to become truly "their Father." In this state, let them pour out their wants before Him. When they [softly] speak the name of Father, they should remain a few moments in a reverential silence, wating to have the will of their heavenly Father made known to them."
Her teaching on meditative and contemplative prayer has never been surpassed, in my opinion. Madame Guyon's teachings have influenced so many, including John Wesley, Count Zinzendorf, George Fox, Jesse Penn-Lewis, Hudson Taylor, Watchman Nee, Paul Billheimer, and me. I highly recommend that you read this book and begin the adventure of inner prayer and experiencing God.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
The Most Fundamental of All Human Motives
The Study of Values, a personality inventory I used to administer at the Career and Personal Counseling Center of Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, Virginia, suggests that the love of power is the most fundamental of all human motives. The longer I live, the more I believe this may be true.
People who are high in political values love power, and the power they have can be used in beneficial or detrimental ways. It has been aptly stated that absolute power corrupts absolutely, and we see evidence of this all over the world, particularly in dictatorships and other political venues.
The power that we should be seeking is God's power--the Bible calls it dunamis, which is the Greek word for words like "dynamo," "dynamic," and "dynamite." There is dynamite power available to all who will avail themselves of it.
At least three of our Pure Gold Classics teach us about this kind of spiritual power. The paragraphs that follow give some insights about power from Moody, Finney, and Wesley.
"May the Spirit of Elijah, beloved reader, be upon us. If we seek for it we will have it. Oh, may the God of Elijah answer by fire, and consume the spirit of worldliness in the churches, burn up the dross, and make us whole-hearted Christians. May that Spirit come upon us' let that be our prayer in our family altars and in our closets. Let us cry mightily to God that we may have double portion of the Holy Spirit, and that we may not rest satisfied with this worldly state of living, but let us, like Sampson, shake ourselves and come out from the world, that we may have the POWER OF GOD" ( From Secret Power by Dwight L. Moody).
"If any one secret of Mr. Finney's power be emphatic, it is this: he gave his whole soul to God. . . . Give yourself, with such supblime simplicity of aim, to God and His service; empty yourself as completely of worldly and selfish ambition; seek as devoutly to be filled and moved by the Spirit; and God will be as willing to use you as a chosen vessel for His glory!" (From Power, Passion and Prayer by Charles G. Finney).
"The expression 'by the grace of God' is sometimes understood to be the love of God, the free unmerited mercy by which any sinner, throught the merits of Jesus, is reconciled to God. Here it means that the power of God, the Holy Spirit, who works in us, both to will and to do His pleasure. As soon as God's grace in the former sense of pardoning love is manifested to us, His grace in the latter sense is given. The power of the Holy Spirit makes it possible for us to perform, through grace, what was impossible to man. Now we can order our conversation correctly. We can do all things in the light and power of that love through Christ who strengthens us. We now have the testimony of our conscience which we could never have by fleshly wisdom. Now 'in simplicity and godly sincerity we have our conversation in the world'" (From The Holy Spirit and Power by John Wesley).
Remember this: All power [authority] in Heaven and Earth was given to Jesus Christ, and He lives within you!
People who are high in political values love power, and the power they have can be used in beneficial or detrimental ways. It has been aptly stated that absolute power corrupts absolutely, and we see evidence of this all over the world, particularly in dictatorships and other political venues.
The power that we should be seeking is God's power--the Bible calls it dunamis, which is the Greek word for words like "dynamo," "dynamic," and "dynamite." There is dynamite power available to all who will avail themselves of it.
At least three of our Pure Gold Classics teach us about this kind of spiritual power. The paragraphs that follow give some insights about power from Moody, Finney, and Wesley.
"May the Spirit of Elijah, beloved reader, be upon us. If we seek for it we will have it. Oh, may the God of Elijah answer by fire, and consume the spirit of worldliness in the churches, burn up the dross, and make us whole-hearted Christians. May that Spirit come upon us' let that be our prayer in our family altars and in our closets. Let us cry mightily to God that we may have double portion of the Holy Spirit, and that we may not rest satisfied with this worldly state of living, but let us, like Sampson, shake ourselves and come out from the world, that we may have the POWER OF GOD" ( From Secret Power by Dwight L. Moody).
"If any one secret of Mr. Finney's power be emphatic, it is this: he gave his whole soul to God. . . . Give yourself, with such supblime simplicity of aim, to God and His service; empty yourself as completely of worldly and selfish ambition; seek as devoutly to be filled and moved by the Spirit; and God will be as willing to use you as a chosen vessel for His glory!" (From Power, Passion and Prayer by Charles G. Finney).
"The expression 'by the grace of God' is sometimes understood to be the love of God, the free unmerited mercy by which any sinner, throught the merits of Jesus, is reconciled to God. Here it means that the power of God, the Holy Spirit, who works in us, both to will and to do His pleasure. As soon as God's grace in the former sense of pardoning love is manifested to us, His grace in the latter sense is given. The power of the Holy Spirit makes it possible for us to perform, through grace, what was impossible to man. Now we can order our conversation correctly. We can do all things in the light and power of that love through Christ who strengthens us. We now have the testimony of our conscience which we could never have by fleshly wisdom. Now 'in simplicity and godly sincerity we have our conversation in the world'" (From The Holy Spirit and Power by John Wesley).
Remember this: All power [authority] in Heaven and Earth was given to Jesus Christ, and He lives within you!
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