Very powerful words...
Yesterday, my pastor, Chad, preached on the Lord's prayer. You can listen to the sermon by clicking here... I recommend the entire series as it has been superb so far. But I wanted to blog about was something he said about the way we often pray. Alot of the time, we pray "Lord, if it be your will, blah blah blah..." and we mean it in order to give God an out - as though we aren't sure that God can or will accomplish His Will. As I reflected on Chad's observation I felt very conflicted, particularly in regards to evangelism.
I know that it is God's will to save the lost, but how often do I pray consistantly and continually for my unsaved friends and family with sincere faith that God will work in their hearts and illumin their minds? How often do I point them towards Jesus Christ through what I say and do, or by what I don't say or do? What is my deal? Where is the mental block? If God is for me as Romans 8:31 says that He is, then why don't I share more freely and pray more consistantly?
Ultimately, I pray that I am overcome with the desire to share the life changing and life saving news of my gracious God's goodness towards all mankind.
Showing posts with label Meditation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Meditation. Show all posts
Monday, January 19, 2009
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Isaiah 66
Isaiah 66
The Humble and Contrite in Spirit
1 Thus says the LORD: "Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool; what is the house that you would build for me, and what is the place of my rest? All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the LORD. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.Contrast this with:
Psalm 51:16-17 (English Standard Version)
" For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."
ANDIsaiah 64:6 (English Standard Version)
"We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away."I don't know if this is encouraging to you, but to a large extent it frees me from the temptation towards legalism and it at least helps with self-righteousness. Sadly, I have lately felt bombarded by a lack of contentment and a healthy dose of self-righteousness... BAD combination, can anyone say PRIDE... oh me me pick me! CRAP.
It has been an extremely tough year, and yet the Lord has been gracious. My lack of contentment has been manifesting itself in the form of self-pity; and the self-righteousness has largely showed up in the thought "why am I surrounded by idiots??? and why can't they get their act together?!"
Yikes, not good! Not good at all. Where the heck to I get off having pride? What did I ever do that warrants any semblance of pride? Sometimes it is sooo disappointing to realize the junk that goes through my brain. Man, the poor people who live with me and have to put up with me. Praise the Lord for their patience and kindness.
Anyway, I find these scriptures helpful and humbling. I hope you do as well. Thanks for listening to me confess.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
God knows us intimately
Psalm 139
Search Me, O God, and Know My Heart
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.
O LORD, you have searched me and known me!2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
3 You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
4 Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.
5 You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high; I cannot attain it.
7 Where shall I go from your Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from your presence?
8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
9 If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
10 even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me.
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness shall cover me,
and the light about me be night,"
12 even the darkness is not dark to you;
the night is bright as the day,
for darkness is as light with you.
13 For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 If I would count them, they are more than the sand.
I awake, and I am still with you.
19 Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God!
O men of blood, depart from me!
20 They speak against you with malicious intent;
your enemies take your name in vain!
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD?
And do I not loathe those who rise up against you?
22 I hate them with complete hatred;
I count them my enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
24 And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
A heart after God
I have been thinking lately about King David... probably because I am reading through Chronicles. Itis really encouraging to read and study David's life. He was passionate about alot of stuff, but everything paled in comparison to his passion for the glory of God. Here are a few verses which are a window into David's heart...
Acts 13:22
And when he had removed him (saul), he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, 'I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.'
Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God,and renew a right spirit within me.
Psalm 119:105
Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
3 who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
5 who satisfies you with good
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
I don't really know that the three of these passages really go together, but I know that they encourage me in different ways. I also love the fact that David speaks truth to himself. He literally tells himself, "Bless the Lord O my soul."
Acts 13:22
And when he had removed him (saul), he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, 'I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.'
Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God,and renew a right spirit within me.
Psalm 119:105
Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Psalm 103
1Bless the LORD, O my soul,and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
3 who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
5 who satisfies you with good
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
I don't really know that the three of these passages really go together, but I know that they encourage me in different ways. I also love the fact that David speaks truth to himself. He literally tells himself, "Bless the Lord O my soul."
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
A few rambling thoughts
I have had the quote below in my list, but never could remember where I got it from. I have no idea who "coined the phrase", though I knew it came from the Bible, but last Sunday I discovered where the concept came from specifically.
He who has been forgiven much, loves much. Luke 7:36-50
CJ Mahaney's book Humility forces quite a bit of introspection, which is both good and humbling in light of the cross (which is what he encourages us to always meditate upon and keep in front of us). The quote above and passage of scripture from whence the quote comes, have really struck at the core feeling I am left with when contemplating the reality of my life in the light of the cross. God is good.
One thing God has spoken, Two things have I heard: That you, O God, are strong, And that you, O Lord, are loving. Psalms 62: 11-12
May God's goodness, grace, and blessing rest upon you this day.
He who has been forgiven much, loves much. Luke 7:36-50
CJ Mahaney's book Humility forces quite a bit of introspection, which is both good and humbling in light of the cross (which is what he encourages us to always meditate upon and keep in front of us). The quote above and passage of scripture from whence the quote comes, have really struck at the core feeling I am left with when contemplating the reality of my life in the light of the cross. God is good.
One thing God has spoken, Two things have I heard: That you, O God, are strong, And that you, O Lord, are loving. Psalms 62: 11-12
May God's goodness, grace, and blessing rest upon you this day.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Humilty: by CJ Mahaney
I read Humility for the first time a few years ago; and have practically re-read the entire thing going back to it for Bible studies or personal reflection. Currently I am reading it with my Bible study group and it is as rich as ever. If you have never read this book before you are missing out on a treasure chest of encouragement in your walk with Christ. Here is one thing that struck me today while I was reading chapter 4, "Greatness Demonstrated".
"Donald English expresses the point this way: "At the source of all Christian service in the world is the crucified and risen Lord who died to liberate us into such service." That's why all Christian service not only reflects the Savior's example, but should also remind us of His sacrifice. Ultimately our Christian service exists only to draw attention to this source - to our crucified and risen Lord who gave Himself as a ransom for us all. Let's move in for a closer look at this incomparable sacrifice..." (pg 48)
There is so much to meditate upon from this brief excerpt... what are the implications of this from a practical standpoint? inwardly? outwardly? Why do I serve? to be seen? to be recognized? for "thankyou's"? How does my service consistantly point to Christ's work on the cross? If it doesn't, why not?
Most importantly: Do I recognize that everything a servant of Christ does should point back to Christ's work on the cross? And, how do I shape my life around this principal?
I must confess that I fall way short in this area. I don't really do things to be seen generally, but I rarely consider how my actions might and/or should point others to Christ's work on the cross. As a Christian who desires to bring glory to our Lord and Savior, I want to strive to be deliberate in bringing Christ glory in everything I do.
"Donald English expresses the point this way: "At the source of all Christian service in the world is the crucified and risen Lord who died to liberate us into such service." That's why all Christian service not only reflects the Savior's example, but should also remind us of His sacrifice. Ultimately our Christian service exists only to draw attention to this source - to our crucified and risen Lord who gave Himself as a ransom for us all. Let's move in for a closer look at this incomparable sacrifice..." (pg 48)
There is so much to meditate upon from this brief excerpt... what are the implications of this from a practical standpoint? inwardly? outwardly? Why do I serve? to be seen? to be recognized? for "thankyou's"? How does my service consistantly point to Christ's work on the cross? If it doesn't, why not?
Most importantly: Do I recognize that everything a servant of Christ does should point back to Christ's work on the cross? And, how do I shape my life around this principal?
I must confess that I fall way short in this area. I don't really do things to be seen generally, but I rarely consider how my actions might and/or should point others to Christ's work on the cross. As a Christian who desires to bring glory to our Lord and Savior, I want to strive to be deliberate in bringing Christ glory in everything I do.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Can you answer this riddle?
Here is a pretty neat little thing from Paul Harvey.
See if you can guess the riddle at the end.
Paul Harvey Writes:
We tried so hard to make things better for our kids
that we made them worse. For my grandchildren,
I'd like better. I'd really like for them to know about
hand me down clothes and homemade ice cream and
leftover meat loaf sandwiches. I really would.
I hope you learn humility by being humiliated, and
that you learn honesty by being cheated.
I hope you learn to make your own bed and mow the
lawn and wash the car. And I really hope nobody
gives you a brand new car when you are sixteen.
It will be good if at least one time you can see
puppies born and your old dog put to sleep.
I hope you get a black eye fighting for something
you believe in.
I hope you have to share a bedroom with your younger
brother/sister. And it's all right if you have to draw a line
down the middle of the room, but when he wants to
crawl under the covers with you because he's scared,
I hope you let him.
When you want to see a movie and your little
brother/sister wants to tag
along, I hope you'll let him/her.
I hope you have to walk uphill to school with your
friends and that you live
in a town where you can do it safely. !
On rainy days when you have to catch a ride, I hope
you don't ask your driver to drop you two blocks
away so you won't be seen riding with someone as
uncool as your Mom.
If you want a slingshot, I hope your Dad teaches you
how to make one instead of buying one.
I hope you learn to dig in the dirt and read books.
When you learn to use computers, I hope you also
learn to add and subtract in your head.
I hope you get teased by your friends when you have
your first crush on a boy\girl, and when you talk back
to your mother that you learn what ivory soap tastes like.
May you skin your knee climbing a mountain, burn
your hand on a stove and stick your tongue on a frozen flagpole.
I don't care if you try a beer once, but I hope you
don't like it.. And if a friend offers you dope or a joint, I hope
you realize he is not your friend.
I sure hope you make time to sit on a porch with
your Granny/Pop-Pop and go fishing with your Uncle.
May you feel sorrow at a funeral and joy during the holidays.
I hope your mother punishes you when you throw a
baseball through your neighbor's window and that she hugs
you and kisses you at Christmas time when you give her a
plaster mold of your hand.
These things I wish for you - tough times and
disappointment, hard work and happiness. To me, it's
the only way to appreciate life.
Written with a pen. Sealed with a kiss. I'm here for
you. And if I die before you do, I'll go to heaven and wait for you.
Send this to all of your friends. We secure our
friends, not by accepting favors, but by doing them.
Paul Harvey RIDDLE:
When asked this riddle, 80% of kindergarten kids got
the answer, compared to
17% of Stanford University seniors.
What is greater than God, More evil than the devil,
The poor have it, The rich need it, And if you eat it, you'll die?
*&$%*nothing*&%^^$
See if you can guess the riddle at the end.
Paul Harvey Writes:
We tried so hard to make things better for our kids
that we made them worse. For my grandchildren,
I'd like better. I'd really like for them to know about
hand me down clothes and homemade ice cream and
leftover meat loaf sandwiches. I really would.
I hope you learn humility by being humiliated, and
that you learn honesty by being cheated.
I hope you learn to make your own bed and mow the
lawn and wash the car. And I really hope nobody
gives you a brand new car when you are sixteen.
It will be good if at least one time you can see
puppies born and your old dog put to sleep.
I hope you get a black eye fighting for something
you believe in.
I hope you have to share a bedroom with your younger
brother/sister. And it's all right if you have to draw a line
down the middle of the room, but when he wants to
crawl under the covers with you because he's scared,
I hope you let him.
When you want to see a movie and your little
brother/sister wants to tag
along, I hope you'll let him/her.
I hope you have to walk uphill to school with your
friends and that you live
in a town where you can do it safely. !
On rainy days when you have to catch a ride, I hope
you don't ask your driver to drop you two blocks
away so you won't be seen riding with someone as
uncool as your Mom.
If you want a slingshot, I hope your Dad teaches you
how to make one instead of buying one.
I hope you learn to dig in the dirt and read books.
When you learn to use computers, I hope you also
learn to add and subtract in your head.
I hope you get teased by your friends when you have
your first crush on a boy\girl, and when you talk back
to your mother that you learn what ivory soap tastes like.
May you skin your knee climbing a mountain, burn
your hand on a stove and stick your tongue on a frozen flagpole.
I don't care if you try a beer once, but I hope you
don't like it.. And if a friend offers you dope or a joint, I hope
you realize he is not your friend.
I sure hope you make time to sit on a porch with
your Granny/Pop-Pop and go fishing with your Uncle.
May you feel sorrow at a funeral and joy during the holidays.
I hope your mother punishes you when you throw a
baseball through your neighbor's window and that she hugs
you and kisses you at Christmas time when you give her a
plaster mold of your hand.
These things I wish for you - tough times and
disappointment, hard work and happiness. To me, it's
the only way to appreciate life.
Written with a pen. Sealed with a kiss. I'm here for
you. And if I die before you do, I'll go to heaven and wait for you.
Send this to all of your friends. We secure our
friends, not by accepting favors, but by doing them.
Paul Harvey RIDDLE:
When asked this riddle, 80% of kindergarten kids got
the answer, compared to
17% of Stanford University seniors.
What is greater than God, More evil than the devil,
The poor have it, The rich need it, And if you eat it, you'll die?
*&$%*nothing*&%^^$
Friday, January 18, 2008
marriage & communication
I had an excellent discussion with my wife this morning. About 2 months ago we decided to sit down every Friday morning and talk for about an hour. We are typically interrupted around 7am by our son Jackson who wakes up right around then, but we have been pretty consistant and it has become a very enjoyable time which I look forward to every week. We are still refining the routine and are currently going to read different books which we can then tell each other about. Our first book we read together, Chosen By God by RC Sproul; and we are about finished with it. Going forward she is going to read Humility by CJ Mahaney... I have already read this book and frankly it is one of the best books I have ever read. I am not sure what I will read next. It will probably be either Foxe's Book of Martyr's or Knowing Scripture by RC Sproul. We shall see.
But the point I just wanted to make is that Friday mornings have become an exceptionally enjoyable small additive to our routine. It forces us to sit down with no distractions and talk about each other, the kids, our week, and our relationship with the Lord. For example, this morning Jennie asked me if I have been struggling with anything or if anything has really encouraged me this week. That question prompted an entire discussion about lust, temptation, and internet. Basically I have been easily tempted the last few months to look at "suggestive" photos. While pornography has not so much been the problem, God has convicted me of sexual immorality of the mind, and blessed me with friends who hold me accountable. In fact, Boone's Minds like Meat post about a month ago was incredibly convicting and encouraging on this subject. Jennifer and I then discussed how "suggestive photos" affect men and women in the area of lust. Men's temptations are obvious, and women's are as well allthough they typically go unnoticed (when women see pictures of girls in bikinis on the internet they often lust after looking like the girl in the picture which is bad for all kinds of reasons).
Anyway, the point is that communication is important. Jennifer and I have been through alot together and part of our sanctification process required some brutal honesty with each other where we were very open about our primary sin issues. This paved the way for ongoing, healthy, non-threatening, and natural conversations about these sin issues. We need to know when we need to really be praying for one another in these areas. True intimacy cannot be attained in marriage when one party hides major sin issues from another. Pride and deceit are spawned in individuals and a marriage when one attempts to hide sin.
Here are some quotes that have encouraged me in this thought process. I hope and pray that all husbands who love the Lord are able to be broken before the Lord and open with their chief accountability parnter... their wife.
James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
“God does not allow His children to sin successfully.” -Charles H. Spurgeon
“Family is the most significant place where you live out your faith.” -John MacArthur
“Setting an example is not the main means of influencing others, it is the only means.” -Einstein
“No man, for any considerable period of time, can wear one face to himself and another to the multitude without finally getting bewildered as to which may be the truth.” -Nathaniel Hawthorne
and this last one is good to remember if you need to have a heart-to-heart with your spouse in order to get this process going:
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” - Matthew 7: 1-2
By His Grace
But the point I just wanted to make is that Friday mornings have become an exceptionally enjoyable small additive to our routine. It forces us to sit down with no distractions and talk about each other, the kids, our week, and our relationship with the Lord. For example, this morning Jennie asked me if I have been struggling with anything or if anything has really encouraged me this week. That question prompted an entire discussion about lust, temptation, and internet. Basically I have been easily tempted the last few months to look at "suggestive" photos. While pornography has not so much been the problem, God has convicted me of sexual immorality of the mind, and blessed me with friends who hold me accountable. In fact, Boone's Minds like Meat post about a month ago was incredibly convicting and encouraging on this subject. Jennifer and I then discussed how "suggestive photos" affect men and women in the area of lust. Men's temptations are obvious, and women's are as well allthough they typically go unnoticed (when women see pictures of girls in bikinis on the internet they often lust after looking like the girl in the picture which is bad for all kinds of reasons).
Anyway, the point is that communication is important. Jennifer and I have been through alot together and part of our sanctification process required some brutal honesty with each other where we were very open about our primary sin issues. This paved the way for ongoing, healthy, non-threatening, and natural conversations about these sin issues. We need to know when we need to really be praying for one another in these areas. True intimacy cannot be attained in marriage when one party hides major sin issues from another. Pride and deceit are spawned in individuals and a marriage when one attempts to hide sin.
Here are some quotes that have encouraged me in this thought process. I hope and pray that all husbands who love the Lord are able to be broken before the Lord and open with their chief accountability parnter... their wife.
James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
“God does not allow His children to sin successfully.” -Charles H. Spurgeon
“Family is the most significant place where you live out your faith.” -John MacArthur
“Setting an example is not the main means of influencing others, it is the only means.” -Einstein
“No man, for any considerable period of time, can wear one face to himself and another to the multitude without finally getting bewildered as to which may be the truth.” -Nathaniel Hawthorne
and this last one is good to remember if you need to have a heart-to-heart with your spouse in order to get this process going:
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” - Matthew 7: 1-2
By His Grace
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
The Existence of God
My argument against God was that the universe seemed so cruel and unjust. But how had I got this idea of just and unjust? A man does not call a line crooked unless he has some idea of a straight line. ... Of course, I could have given up my idea of justice by saying that it was nothing but a private idea of my own. But if I did that, then my argument against God collapsed too--for the argument depended on saying that the world was really unjust, not simply that it did not happen to please my private fancies. Thus in the very act of trying to prove that God did not exist--in other words, that the whole of reality was senseless--I found I was forced to assume that one part of reality--namely my idea of justice--was full of sense. Consequently atheism turns out to be too simple. If the whole universe has no meaning, we should never have found out that it has no meaning: just as, if there were no light in the universe and therefore no creatures with eyes, we should never know it was dark. Dark would be without meaning.
C.S. Lewis Mere Christianity
Below are 8 questions asked by an atheist during what was considered "The Great Debate" in 2002. 92% of analysts left supporting the idea that God exists, less than 8% remained as professing atheists.
1. If God is all good, why is there evil in the world?
2. If God is all powerful, why are humans all messed up and imperfect?
3. Why did God forbid Adam and Eve to learn by banning them from the tree of knowledge?
4. Where is God? I don't see him, hear him, touch him, taste him, or smell him.
5. By what empirical means can you show me God?
6. Why does God have to resort to heaven and hell? Couldn't he have just made us perfect?
7. Why is God jealous?
8. Why are there so many conflicting religions?
After looking at these questions, my initial response was, "Man this guy is proud!" "All he is concerned with is himself." Then, scripture reminded me of why it is he thinks this way. The mind of those who do not know God is hostile to God! Romans 8:7 says, "For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God."
How proud are we to look in the face of our Creator and say, "Show yourself God, then I will believe in you!" Atheists look at the existence of God and say that they will only believe after they have empirical evidence. We can't offer the empirical evidence they are after, we can only show them the result or effect of his existence through His creation. What we can show them is a broken and contrite spirit, a humble heart, with a passion to see transformation because we ourselves have been transformed by the grace and mercy of our Lord!
My prayer is that those of us who know God will seek to share the hope and glory of our God with those that are lost. May we always be reminded of the fact that they are not inclined towards God, that we may face persecution when we share with them, but may we also realize that we are not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes!
I am thankful that God has broken through my hostile mind, shown me his existence through the strength he provides, the faith he has given me, the spirit that dwells within me, and the wisdom and revelation of His Word. Without these things, I would be wandering aimlessly about with no hope.
Only by His Grace<><,
C.S. Lewis Mere Christianity
Below are 8 questions asked by an atheist during what was considered "The Great Debate" in 2002. 92% of analysts left supporting the idea that God exists, less than 8% remained as professing atheists.
1. If God is all good, why is there evil in the world?
2. If God is all powerful, why are humans all messed up and imperfect?
3. Why did God forbid Adam and Eve to learn by banning them from the tree of knowledge?
4. Where is God? I don't see him, hear him, touch him, taste him, or smell him.
5. By what empirical means can you show me God?
6. Why does God have to resort to heaven and hell? Couldn't he have just made us perfect?
7. Why is God jealous?
8. Why are there so many conflicting religions?
After looking at these questions, my initial response was, "Man this guy is proud!" "All he is concerned with is himself." Then, scripture reminded me of why it is he thinks this way. The mind of those who do not know God is hostile to God! Romans 8:7 says, "For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God."
How proud are we to look in the face of our Creator and say, "Show yourself God, then I will believe in you!" Atheists look at the existence of God and say that they will only believe after they have empirical evidence. We can't offer the empirical evidence they are after, we can only show them the result or effect of his existence through His creation. What we can show them is a broken and contrite spirit, a humble heart, with a passion to see transformation because we ourselves have been transformed by the grace and mercy of our Lord!
My prayer is that those of us who know God will seek to share the hope and glory of our God with those that are lost. May we always be reminded of the fact that they are not inclined towards God, that we may face persecution when we share with them, but may we also realize that we are not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes!
I am thankful that God has broken through my hostile mind, shown me his existence through the strength he provides, the faith he has given me, the spirit that dwells within me, and the wisdom and revelation of His Word. Without these things, I would be wandering aimlessly about with no hope.
Only by His Grace<><,
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Streams of Water
King Solomon, who wrote Ecclesiastes and most of Proverbs, wrote about his experiences and not only the things he had learned to do, but also those not to do. His writings, close to 3,000 years old and in Hebrew, have lost nothing through time and translation. God, who rules in the affairs in men, has preserved His words.
Perhaps more than ever, we should carefully examine and consider the God-breathed words penned by the third king of Israel.
"1The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He will.
2Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart."
-Proverbs 21:1-2
I tend to read the Proverbs of Solomon as isolated verses, each from which I glean a bit of practical wisdom for my own life. For the first time, these verses struck me as being very much connected, and certainly, Solomon did not write just one verse per sitting.
Typically, I have read verse 1 and applied it to disagreeable parents, unforgiving professors, or blinded politicians. If no germane example was handy for me to relate to what I had just read, I would quickly gloss over the verse and try to pick a situation out of my own life in which I could identify pride to confess, where I thought my own way was best.
Something can, no doubt, be gleaned from such a cursory glance at each verse individually, but when seen together, these verses are so encouraging in terms of God's total sovereignty. Solomon was both a monarch (the subject of the first verse) and a man (spoken of in the second). A stream, or any body of water, for that matter, will flow in the path of least resistance, or down the course of that which seems to benefit the stream most from a work perspective. This, by the way, is why the Colorado River could not have formed the Grand Canyon over millions of years, but that is a topic for another piece. How much more, then, will men and women, with God-given cognitive resources in a corrupted world, attempt to do that which they feel is right, even in the face of staunch resistance?
Perhaps there were other kings whose hearts Solomon wished that God would change. Much more likely, though, is that Solomon himself is the primary king spoken of in verse 1. Whose heart, then, is God weighing in the verse immediately following, but Solomon's? Personal experience had taught this wisest of men that despite holding power, riches, and honor, no man was immune to God's reproving hand, that no man's ways were higher than God's.
Whether you are a king, teacher, mailman, or sports broadcaster, not only is your heart weighed by the Lord; it is turned in whichever way He wills.
How, then, are rivers turned? Off the top of my head, I can think of only two: dams and other courses that are dug and then connected to the stream in question. First, may God give us the grace and the wisdom to identify His leading and take the courses that He has dug for us rather than going through a painful dam-building process until our hearts are pointed in the proper direction. And second, may we more carefully examine God's Word in the context in which it was given, so as to learn more of and grow ever closer to our Almighty God, King, and Creator.
Perhaps more than ever, we should carefully examine and consider the God-breathed words penned by the third king of Israel.
"1The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He will.
2Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart."
-Proverbs 21:1-2
I tend to read the Proverbs of Solomon as isolated verses, each from which I glean a bit of practical wisdom for my own life. For the first time, these verses struck me as being very much connected, and certainly, Solomon did not write just one verse per sitting.
Typically, I have read verse 1 and applied it to disagreeable parents, unforgiving professors, or blinded politicians. If no germane example was handy for me to relate to what I had just read, I would quickly gloss over the verse and try to pick a situation out of my own life in which I could identify pride to confess, where I thought my own way was best.
Something can, no doubt, be gleaned from such a cursory glance at each verse individually, but when seen together, these verses are so encouraging in terms of God's total sovereignty. Solomon was both a monarch (the subject of the first verse) and a man (spoken of in the second). A stream, or any body of water, for that matter, will flow in the path of least resistance, or down the course of that which seems to benefit the stream most from a work perspective. This, by the way, is why the Colorado River could not have formed the Grand Canyon over millions of years, but that is a topic for another piece. How much more, then, will men and women, with God-given cognitive resources in a corrupted world, attempt to do that which they feel is right, even in the face of staunch resistance?
Perhaps there were other kings whose hearts Solomon wished that God would change. Much more likely, though, is that Solomon himself is the primary king spoken of in verse 1. Whose heart, then, is God weighing in the verse immediately following, but Solomon's? Personal experience had taught this wisest of men that despite holding power, riches, and honor, no man was immune to God's reproving hand, that no man's ways were higher than God's.
Whether you are a king, teacher, mailman, or sports broadcaster, not only is your heart weighed by the Lord; it is turned in whichever way He wills.
How, then, are rivers turned? Off the top of my head, I can think of only two: dams and other courses that are dug and then connected to the stream in question. First, may God give us the grace and the wisdom to identify His leading and take the courses that He has dug for us rather than going through a painful dam-building process until our hearts are pointed in the proper direction. And second, may we more carefully examine God's Word in the context in which it was given, so as to learn more of and grow ever closer to our Almighty God, King, and Creator.
New Years Resolutions & Gospel Fear
Gospel Fear is a book I read about a year ago by the puritan writer, Jeremiah Burroughs. It was challenging for several reasons, but it has proven to be a very profitable read as many things have reminded me of it. None more than the verse of the day today at the Bible Gateway website.
Psalm 90:12 "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."
This was potentially the first chapter of the Bible ever to be written. It was penned by Moses as a prayer to God. I heard a great sermon on this chapter by Steve Lawson a few years ago. I would highly recommend listening to Steve at least periodicly as he can really knock it out of the park. This verse always reminds me of two things. The first is the Clint Eastwood Dirty Harry movie, where Harry says, "A mans got to know his limitations." There is alot of wisdom in that.
The second is even better, Proverbs 1:7, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline."
I am encouraged when I think of these two verses together. Wisdom is the fear of the Lord; it is the understanding that the Lord has numbered our days, and we are to trust in Him - the source of life and sovereign provider of our every need. A healthy fear of the Lord recognizes that God is sovereign, that He sustains us in our every breath, and that He alone is ultimately trustworthy. A healthy fear of the Lord, not only sees that God is The Creator of all things, but conciously trusts in the totality of God.
To trust in the totality of God means to trust in several things: First, that God is. This means that He is, was, and always will be everywhere all powerful. Jesus Christ is God and the Holy Spirit is God. With our Heavenly Father, they together encompass the trinity. Three in person, One in essence- a difficult teaching, but better understood when looked at closely. Second it means we trust in the inerrancy of Scripture... meaning Scripture is perfect, complete, and flawless. The implication is that God's decree's, commands, and laws should be followed and obeyed in totality; and that, though we are sinners condemned to Hell, God has graciously saved us from eternal damnation through the life, death, and resurrection of His Son. Finally, this means that we are daily trusting in His guidance by living in a way consistant with the lessons we have learned from His Word. This means we are praying our way through our lives, constantly giving over to Him our decisions, trials, temptations, and the credit for our victories.
Personally, I fail at this all the time. I am constantly trusting in my own ability, my own strength, my own wisdom. I am a fool to do this.
But the point is this. Here we are in 2008, and often we make our New Years Resolutions. These last for a few weeks and then we fail. This year, I would like to suggest that we make it our aim to trust in the Lord; to grow in our understanding of what it means to fear Him.
Romans 11:33-36 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways beyond finding out! “ For who has known the mind of the LORD? Or who has ever been His counselor?” “ Or who has first given to Him that it shall be repaid to him?” For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to Him be glory forever. Amen.
Psalm 90:12 "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."
This was potentially the first chapter of the Bible ever to be written. It was penned by Moses as a prayer to God. I heard a great sermon on this chapter by Steve Lawson a few years ago. I would highly recommend listening to Steve at least periodicly as he can really knock it out of the park. This verse always reminds me of two things. The first is the Clint Eastwood Dirty Harry movie, where Harry says, "A mans got to know his limitations." There is alot of wisdom in that.
The second is even better, Proverbs 1:7, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline."
I am encouraged when I think of these two verses together. Wisdom is the fear of the Lord; it is the understanding that the Lord has numbered our days, and we are to trust in Him - the source of life and sovereign provider of our every need. A healthy fear of the Lord recognizes that God is sovereign, that He sustains us in our every breath, and that He alone is ultimately trustworthy. A healthy fear of the Lord, not only sees that God is The Creator of all things, but conciously trusts in the totality of God.
To trust in the totality of God means to trust in several things: First, that God is. This means that He is, was, and always will be everywhere all powerful. Jesus Christ is God and the Holy Spirit is God. With our Heavenly Father, they together encompass the trinity. Three in person, One in essence- a difficult teaching, but better understood when looked at closely. Second it means we trust in the inerrancy of Scripture... meaning Scripture is perfect, complete, and flawless. The implication is that God's decree's, commands, and laws should be followed and obeyed in totality; and that, though we are sinners condemned to Hell, God has graciously saved us from eternal damnation through the life, death, and resurrection of His Son. Finally, this means that we are daily trusting in His guidance by living in a way consistant with the lessons we have learned from His Word. This means we are praying our way through our lives, constantly giving over to Him our decisions, trials, temptations, and the credit for our victories.
Personally, I fail at this all the time. I am constantly trusting in my own ability, my own strength, my own wisdom. I am a fool to do this.
But the point is this. Here we are in 2008, and often we make our New Years Resolutions. These last for a few weeks and then we fail. This year, I would like to suggest that we make it our aim to trust in the Lord; to grow in our understanding of what it means to fear Him.
Romans 11:33-36 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways beyond finding out! “ For who has known the mind of the LORD? Or who has ever been His counselor?” “ Or who has first given to Him that it shall be repaid to him?” For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to Him be glory forever. Amen.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Regeneration precedes Faith
Over the past year or so I have been reading an excellent book entitled "Foundations of Grace: A long line of godly men" by Dr. Steven Lawson. With my background, this was a challenging, yet incredibly encouraging book to read. Challenging because it is over 550 pages of literature that will surely stretch you and make you reconsider your opinion on what it means to live in a manner worthy of your calling (Eph 4:1)(When compared to Moses, Joshua, Job, Jesus)At the same time, it is incredibly encouraging because it has revealed to me this monumental truth: We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, and this is in no way something that we are capable of accomplishing on our own, but it is only accomplished by the mercy of our creator and for the purpose of bringing Him glory! Now I know you have heard this before, I had too! But taking the time to digest the implications of this will leave you forever awestruck by the Lord's mercy. So with that said, I would like to offer a few quotes/resources for you on the topic of "Regeneration preceding Faith !" It is only appropriate for the first quote to come from Lawson's book:
A definite atonement must have a definite application to the hearts of the elect. Such is the divine work of the Holy Spirit, who irresistibly calls God's chosen ones into new life. In describing the new birth, John taught a monergistic view of divine regeneration. He emphatically stated that God must do a sovereign work in the spiritually dead sinner before he or she can exercise saving faith. It is God himself who causes saving faith to be found in man. The genuine trust by which the sinner believes upon Christ must be received from God. Rightly understood, then, the new birth precedes and produces saving faith:
"But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." (John 1:12-13)
Below is a small excerpt from an amazing article written by R.C Sproul that can be found here:
One of the most dramatic moments in my life for the shaping of my theology took place in a seminary classroom. One of my professors went to the blackboard and wrote these words in bold letters: "Regeneration Precedes Faith."
These words were a shock to my system. I had entered seminary believing that the key work of man to effect rebirth was faith. I thought that we first had to believe in Christ in order to be born again. I use the words in order here for a reason. I was thinking in terms of steps that must be taken in a certain sequence. I had put faith at the beginning. The order looked something like this:
"Faith - rebirth -justification."
Take time to study this topic. Pray to God asking Him for wisdom and revelation whenever approaching the scriptures. He tells us that if any man lacks wisdom, he should ask God. May he bless you with understanding concerning the unfathomable riches of his grace and his mercy.
A definite atonement must have a definite application to the hearts of the elect. Such is the divine work of the Holy Spirit, who irresistibly calls God's chosen ones into new life. In describing the new birth, John taught a monergistic view of divine regeneration. He emphatically stated that God must do a sovereign work in the spiritually dead sinner before he or she can exercise saving faith. It is God himself who causes saving faith to be found in man. The genuine trust by which the sinner believes upon Christ must be received from God. Rightly understood, then, the new birth precedes and produces saving faith:
"But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." (John 1:12-13)
Below is a small excerpt from an amazing article written by R.C Sproul that can be found here:
One of the most dramatic moments in my life for the shaping of my theology took place in a seminary classroom. One of my professors went to the blackboard and wrote these words in bold letters: "Regeneration Precedes Faith."
These words were a shock to my system. I had entered seminary believing that the key work of man to effect rebirth was faith. I thought that we first had to believe in Christ in order to be born again. I use the words in order here for a reason. I was thinking in terms of steps that must be taken in a certain sequence. I had put faith at the beginning. The order looked something like this:
"Faith - rebirth -justification."
Take time to study this topic. Pray to God asking Him for wisdom and revelation whenever approaching the scriptures. He tells us that if any man lacks wisdom, he should ask God. May he bless you with understanding concerning the unfathomable riches of his grace and his mercy.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
"Patrick's Breastplate"
Tradition credits this prayer to St. Patrick circa 433 A.D:
This day I call to me; God's strength to direct me, God's power to sustain me.
God's wisdom to guide me, God's vision to light me, God's ear to my hearing, God's word to my speaking, God's hand to uphold me, God's pathway before me, God's shield to protect me, God's legions to save me: from snares of the demons, from evil enticements, from failings of nature, from one man or many that seek to destroy me, anear or afar.
Be Christ this day my strong protector.... Christ beside me, Christ before me; Christ behind me, Christ within me; Christ beneath me, Christ above me; Christ the right of me, Christ to left of me; Christ in my lying, my sitting, my rising; Christ in heart of all who know me, Christ on tongue of all who meet me, Christ in eye of all who see me, Christ in ear of all who hear me.
For my shield this day I call: a mighty power: the Holy Trinity! Affirming threeness, confessing oneness in the making of all--through love.
What an awesome prayer! If I could but live in light of this all the time! How often do my family, friends and co-workers hear something other than Christ within me!
... and yet what it takes to only have Christ...
In June this year a friend from college had their 2-1/2 year-old son diagnosed with Krabbe disease. Krabbe (pronounced "Crab-A) is a genetic disorder that is kills 100% of those afflicted - usually within 6 months of showing symptoms. It acts on the body like Lou Gehrig's disease by attacking the nervous system. It starts with clumsiness followed by blindness, loss of appetite, becoming extremely painful and finally death from suffocation from a paralyzed diaphragm. There is no cure.
I have never entered into another's pain as deeply as I have with this couple and their son. I have never cried as hard over someone else's pain while I echoed his fathers prayer that "Jesus, be merciful to Judson".
A little before noon on November 7th, little Jud died just shy of his 3rd birthday--his loving parents cradling him all morning in his dying agony.
That morning all they had was Jesus.
I was overwhelmed with two very opposing emotions: Total grief for what Christina and Drake had experienced, and an extreme sense of jealously for their state of complete dependence on Jesus to sustain them.
I was perplexed with two very opposing desires: I deeply desire to have "only Jesus" -- like St. Patrick's prayer above. I also deeply desire to NEVER experience the pain they went through (and the continued grief they're still living with).
Is this degree of "Christ being our all" possible here on earth without this level of grief? Something tells me no. I am sobered in the realization that my heart is so tied to this world that to have "Christ be my all" would cause me such grief over the things I've lost.
What a wretched sinner am I ! ...and yet, how much sweeter is the prize to come--an eternity with Christ being all we have without grief, but pure joy unending.
Praise be to Christ our Savior and Redeemer!
This day I call to me; God's strength to direct me, God's power to sustain me.
God's wisdom to guide me, God's vision to light me, God's ear to my hearing, God's word to my speaking, God's hand to uphold me, God's pathway before me, God's shield to protect me, God's legions to save me: from snares of the demons, from evil enticements, from failings of nature, from one man or many that seek to destroy me, anear or afar.
Be Christ this day my strong protector.... Christ beside me, Christ before me; Christ behind me, Christ within me; Christ beneath me, Christ above me; Christ the right of me, Christ to left of me; Christ in my lying, my sitting, my rising; Christ in heart of all who know me, Christ on tongue of all who meet me, Christ in eye of all who see me, Christ in ear of all who hear me.
For my shield this day I call: a mighty power: the Holy Trinity! Affirming threeness, confessing oneness in the making of all--through love.
What an awesome prayer! If I could but live in light of this all the time! How often do my family, friends and co-workers hear something other than Christ within me!
... and yet what it takes to only have Christ...
In June this year a friend from college had their 2-1/2 year-old son diagnosed with Krabbe disease. Krabbe (pronounced "Crab-A) is a genetic disorder that is kills 100% of those afflicted - usually within 6 months of showing symptoms. It acts on the body like Lou Gehrig's disease by attacking the nervous system. It starts with clumsiness followed by blindness, loss of appetite, becoming extremely painful and finally death from suffocation from a paralyzed diaphragm. There is no cure.
I have never entered into another's pain as deeply as I have with this couple and their son. I have never cried as hard over someone else's pain while I echoed his fathers prayer that "Jesus, be merciful to Judson".
A little before noon on November 7th, little Jud died just shy of his 3rd birthday--his loving parents cradling him all morning in his dying agony.
That morning all they had was Jesus.
I was overwhelmed with two very opposing emotions: Total grief for what Christina and Drake had experienced, and an extreme sense of jealously for their state of complete dependence on Jesus to sustain them.
I was perplexed with two very opposing desires: I deeply desire to have "only Jesus" -- like St. Patrick's prayer above. I also deeply desire to NEVER experience the pain they went through (and the continued grief they're still living with).
Is this degree of "Christ being our all" possible here on earth without this level of grief? Something tells me no. I am sobered in the realization that my heart is so tied to this world that to have "Christ be my all" would cause me such grief over the things I've lost.
What a wretched sinner am I ! ...and yet, how much sweeter is the prize to come--an eternity with Christ being all we have without grief, but pure joy unending.
Praise be to Christ our Savior and Redeemer!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
A Glimpse of Heaven
In a follow up to a recent post, I wanted to leave you with this chapter from Isaiah. This has continually encouraged me when I become discouraged concerning friends, family members, etc. that have passed away. It is the reason that I sing at the top of my lungs while in the shower, the reason I dance while I'm driving down the street, even though some say I don't have much rhythm, and the reason why I can't help but walk around with this dumb smile on my face!The joy we have as believers is secured in this very chapter. Though we are faced with trials during this lifetime, though it may seem as if we have given the enemy a foothold when we are in sin, Christ did not! He is our victory. His death alone was sufficient enough for us to walk in the newness of life and to have the blessed hope of spending eternity with our maker. Please meditate on the goodness and grace of our creator while you read Isaiah 35. Notice in verse 5 that it says that the eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. They will be able to see all of God's creation in perfection. What an amazing thought!
Isaiah 35
The Ransomed Shall Return
1 The desert and the parched land will be glad;
the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.
Like the crocus, 2 it will burst into bloom;
it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.
The glory of Lebanon will be given to it,
the splendor of Carmel and Sharon;
they will see the glory of the LORD,
the splendor of our God.
3 Strengthen the feeble hands,
steady the knees that give way;
4 say to those with fearful hearts,
"Be strong, do not fear;
your God will come,
he will come with vengeance;
with divine retribution
he will come to save you."
5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened
and the ears of the deaf unstopped.
6 Then will the lame leap like a deer,
and the mute tongue shout for joy.
Water will gush forth in the wilderness
and streams in the desert.
7 The burning sand will become a pool,
the thirsty ground bubbling springs.
In the haunts where jackals once lay,
grass and reeds and papyrus will grow.
8 And a highway will be there;
it will be called the Way of Holiness.
The unclean will not journey on it;
it will be for those who walk in that Way;
wicked fools will not go about on it. [a]
9 No lion will be there,
nor will any ferocious beast get up on it;
they will not be found there.
But only the redeemed will walk there,
10 and the ransomed of the LORD will return.
They will enter Zion with singing;
everlasting joy will crown their heads.
Gladness and joy will overtake them,
and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
Isaiah 35
The Ransomed Shall Return
1 The desert and the parched land will be glad;
the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.
Like the crocus, 2 it will burst into bloom;
it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.
The glory of Lebanon will be given to it,
the splendor of Carmel and Sharon;
they will see the glory of the LORD,
the splendor of our God.
3 Strengthen the feeble hands,
steady the knees that give way;
4 say to those with fearful hearts,
"Be strong, do not fear;
your God will come,
he will come with vengeance;
with divine retribution
he will come to save you."
5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened
and the ears of the deaf unstopped.
6 Then will the lame leap like a deer,
and the mute tongue shout for joy.
Water will gush forth in the wilderness
and streams in the desert.
7 The burning sand will become a pool,
the thirsty ground bubbling springs.
In the haunts where jackals once lay,
grass and reeds and papyrus will grow.
8 And a highway will be there;
it will be called the Way of Holiness.
The unclean will not journey on it;
it will be for those who walk in that Way;
wicked fools will not go about on it. [a]
9 No lion will be there,
nor will any ferocious beast get up on it;
they will not be found there.
But only the redeemed will walk there,
10 and the ransomed of the LORD will return.
They will enter Zion with singing;
everlasting joy will crown their heads.
Gladness and joy will overtake them,
and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Worship & Humility
Are you selfish? Do you ever lie? Have you ever hurt or attacked someone physically, emotionally, or financially? Do you struggle with lust after money, power, material things, or women? It kills me to admit it publicly, but I fail in all of these areas. Why do I fail? Because I am prideful, and I believe that I deserve to satisfy myself and fulfill the lusts of my flesh immediately. I sin and fail because I think that God's Biblical laws are more guidelines really, and I know better than God, and I can choose to obey them at my discretion. I, I, I... the point is this, I am prideful and I am not humble.
I know how to perform a humble act, but I find it nearly impossible to actually be humble even in that moment. Humilty is something I strive for and never seem to attain. It is easy to write about humility but nearly impossible to achieve it. This brings me to Psalm 51: 16-17, the theme of this site, because the truth is that humility is something that can only be achieved before God and by the grace of God. What is true humility?
Humility begins and ends with "a broken and contrite heart" before God. Pridefullly I often try to "hide" my sin from friends, family, myself, and ultimately God. I might do this through a lack of prayerful confession, a lack of accountability, or through surfaceful service at church via the giving of my time, money, or physical resources. I have also witnessed many who think that it is ok to hold onto an area of sin in their lives so long as they give more money, or more of their time to the church or the poor. This is a temptation that we all face every year and this is totally wrong.
Psalm 51 tells us that God does not want our "sacrifices", our money, our time, or anything from us until we humbly come before Him in confession and repentence - until we are broken before Him and His Word. The scriptures are very clear that this requires confession and repentence - a willingness to do whatever it takes to remove the sin. That is why accountability is so helpful. It is a practical ramification of repentence - a deep and earnest desire to have someone come along beside you and encourage you towards righteousness by whatever means necessary.
My friends, I have found Psalms 139: 23-24 to be exceedingly helpful in my ongoing attempts at humilty before our Lord and savior.
"Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!"
The worship of God begins and ends with humility before God. He needs nothing from us for He is The Creator, the King of Kings, and the Almight Sovereign. Let it be our prayer that we can continually submit ourselves broken hearted before Him. May it be our first sacrifice, our first offering, the worship theme of our lives.
I know how to perform a humble act, but I find it nearly impossible to actually be humble even in that moment. Humilty is something I strive for and never seem to attain. It is easy to write about humility but nearly impossible to achieve it. This brings me to Psalm 51: 16-17, the theme of this site, because the truth is that humility is something that can only be achieved before God and by the grace of God. What is true humility?
Humility begins and ends with "a broken and contrite heart" before God. Pridefullly I often try to "hide" my sin from friends, family, myself, and ultimately God. I might do this through a lack of prayerful confession, a lack of accountability, or through surfaceful service at church via the giving of my time, money, or physical resources. I have also witnessed many who think that it is ok to hold onto an area of sin in their lives so long as they give more money, or more of their time to the church or the poor. This is a temptation that we all face every year and this is totally wrong.
Psalm 51 tells us that God does not want our "sacrifices", our money, our time, or anything from us until we humbly come before Him in confession and repentence - until we are broken before Him and His Word. The scriptures are very clear that this requires confession and repentence - a willingness to do whatever it takes to remove the sin. That is why accountability is so helpful. It is a practical ramification of repentence - a deep and earnest desire to have someone come along beside you and encourage you towards righteousness by whatever means necessary.
My friends, I have found Psalms 139: 23-24 to be exceedingly helpful in my ongoing attempts at humilty before our Lord and savior.
"Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!"
The worship of God begins and ends with humility before God. He needs nothing from us for He is The Creator, the King of Kings, and the Almight Sovereign. Let it be our prayer that we can continually submit ourselves broken hearted before Him. May it be our first sacrifice, our first offering, the worship theme of our lives.
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