[Paul, to the Corinthians]
“… Christ [sent me] to preach the gospel—not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.”
1 Corinthians1:17 (NIV)
[Holy Spirit, to Dennis]
Whatever you do or say in the name of Jesus, make sure it’s not based on YOUR words or experiences alone. They are powerless without pointing to the sacrifice and grace of Jesus. That’s where life-changing power lies.
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…Am I the only one challenged or convicted by this? How about you?
I always like it when God whacks me on the head during my devotional:
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances,
for this [all three, dennis!] is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
thank you GOD, my I have another!
So, what did God “whack” you with recently?
“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”
– Jesus (John 15:4)
My wife and I are avid Fringe viewers. A few weeks ago, one episode really illustrated John 15:4 for me.
The episode, titled Johari Window, involved a town of people who have, for generations, been stricken with a physical deformity as a result of a government experiment. The townspeople hide their physical deformity from outsiders through a massive electromagnetic pulse that runs through the town. The pulse causes them to look normal; however, once they leave town and are out of the pulse’s reach, their true deformities show.
Last Saturday, I completed the annual “pruning of the roses” task at home – not as dangerous as the “running of the bulls”, but I did have some good pokes from the thorns!
Some of the rose bushes and trees we have are pretty old (according to my neighbor, some were even transplanted years ago from his house). Some of them are younger, having been planted by us. In order to keep them healthy and flowering each year, they must be pruned – even if they look like they don’t need it…even if they have blooms right now.
Old or new, well-established or just-planted – each gets the same treatment.
Yesterday, Karen and I were looking out our hotel window and she pointed out that all the footprints that littered the beach were gone – washed away by the surf.
It reminded me of how our sin is washed away as we live out 1 John 1:9 – initially as we receive salvation and then in relationship with God and with one another:
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
It also brought to mind lyrics from Brooke Fraser’s Hosanna:
I see His Love and Mercy
Washing over all our sin
The people sing
The people sing
Hosanna hosanna
Hosanna in the highest
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Father,
Thank you for the tangible reminders of your undeserved mercy, grace, and forgiveness. Thank you for the promise of a clean slate – for second chances – all at no great price paid by me other than acknowledging my sin to You. Your Son graciously paid the price for me on the cross – may I appreciate His sacrifice all the more as I confess my sin. Quicken my mind to keep short accounts with you – confessing that which You already know and are so ready to forgive and forget.
amen.
Karen and I are in Monterey for a few days celebrating our anniversary and, as I was looking out our hotel window at the stars and listening to the ocean, I remembered this song from when I was growing up. (If I recall, the way we did it had a lot of Ah-ah-ah-ahs in it!)
It’s dripping with Truth!
He’s Everything to Me
Ralph Carmichael
In the stars His handiwork I see,
On the wind He speaks with majesty,
Tho He ruleth over land and sea,
What is that to me?
I will celebrate Nativity,
for it has a place in history
Sure, He came to set His people free
What is that to me?
Till by faith I met Him face to face
and I felt the wonder of his grace
Then I knew that He was more
than just a God who didn’t care
That lived a way out there
And now He
walks beside me day by day,
Ever watching over me lest I stray,
Helping me to find that narrow way
He’s Everything To Me.
© 1964 Bud John Songs, Inc. (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
Last Sunday was the third week team-teaching a Sunday School class at church that is going through Francis Chan’s latest book: Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit.
Chapter three: “Theology of the Holy Spirit 101”
One line from the chapter sums up this study for me (really any study about who God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are):
“The point is not to completely understand God but to worship him.” (p65)
Have Your Way
Andrew Peterson
Father hear me now when i am humbled,
i fear that i will soon forget.
now i have no strength to stand and stumble
i have no wish to leave You yet.
oh holy Father, hear me now
when flesh is strong and spirit weak.
please break my back if i won’t bow,
oh won’t You have your way with me.
Father hear me now when i am humbled,
when i am bent with holy shame.
all the lies that i believed have crumbled,
the blood of Christ my only claim.
i cannot trust my own designs;
my heart is prone to disobey.
so listen Lord while there is time,
chain me fast if i won’t stay,
take my life and have Your way.
please hear me Lord this blessed hour,
when sin has loosed its hold on me.
Thy mercy is a mighty tower,
so why should i not trust in Thee
Father have Your way with me.
x
From AP’s: Appendix C: Live with the Captains Courageous
listen to song at last.fm
Purchase at The Rabbit Room
Today, I have the privilege of sharing some thoughts about the mission of music in our corporate worship services over at the Theological Synergy blog. Ever wonder about the propose or mission of music in our church services? Head on over and give it a read…
DENNARR(dot)COM 