Jaquelle's Rose Garden

What Colossians Says About Prayer: Part 1

2012-02-11T11:44:00.000-04:00

"Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving." Colossians 4:2

What an interesting, somewhat puzzling, yet convicting verse. Tucked in between a command to slave owners and a prayer request, it's so short, if you're not careful, you'll miss it. But despite its small size, there's certainly a lot to learn from it! We'll divide it into three parts: 1) devote yourselves to prayer, 2) stay alert in it, and 3) with thanksgiving.

"Devote yourselves to prayer ..."

The first word really sets the tone for this first phrase: devote. Don't just dabble in prayer, try it out, use it occasionally, or only when you need it, pray just in church, or only in devotions. Devote yourselves to prayer. Make it a top priority. Think about it constantly. Pray without ceasing. Never let your devotion to it waver.

Now I'm just going to admit that prayer is something I struggle with. Often, I find myself not devoted to prayer. Not because I don't want to be; simply because I forget. I struggle with praying without ceasing, thinking about it constantly, making it a top priority. Maybe you feel like me, and prayer is something that you find yourself often struggling with too. So it's for people like you and me that I made a list of ways to practically "devote [our]selves to prayer."

Have a prayer buddy. Having someone to keep you accountable and pray with you is awesome! Mom is my prayer buddy, and I find that I'm in prayer so much more because she's there to encourage me to pray and help keep me accountable.
Set a designated prayer time each day. Mom and I meet to pray at 8:30 every morning, and we sit down and pray through the day. We discuss what I have on, and then pray through those things. I have a friend who specifically marks out three times a day to pray by herself. Having that set time is a really good way to keep you in prayer.
Read godly books on prayer. A great one that I read was "A Praying Life," by Paul E. Miller. My parents read another good one called "Praying Backwards" by Bryan Chapell. Books on prayer can help give you more ways to have a prayer-centered life.
Pray throughout your devotions. This is another one Mom taught me. While I read through my Bible during my private devotions, I pray throughout it. I'll read a portion of Scripture and then pause to pray.
Have a prayer chart. This is a helpful list that I have that is divided into days of the week. Each day I have different people, situations, and groups that I pray for. This will also help you in remembering more people to pray for.

These are only a few ways, but I hope they are helpful to you. As Christians, we must devote ourselves to prayer, as Paul so graciously reminded the church in Colossae. But there's more in this verse that Paul discloses. We'll look at the rest in What Colossians Says About Prayer: Part 2.

What Colossians Says About Work

2012-02-07T11:16:00.000-04:00

Well, we've finished our series within a series on what Colossians has to say about the family, so we can now turn our attention to our next topic - work. Colossians 3:23-24 are probably some pretty familiar verses to many of you.

"Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ."

I like how the verse begins with an important blanket statement - whatever you do. This is the statement that gets rid of any chance of loop holes - there is now no excuse. Whatever we do, however we work, whether we're working at school, working at a job, working at church - whatever way we work - we've got to do it enthusiastically. But this doesn't make much sense unless we include the next phrase. We can be really enthusiastic about things, but there's a big difference between plain old enthusiasm, and enthusiasm, "as something done for the Lord." This enthusiasm in Colossians 3:23 is an excitement in the Lord! This is pouring ourselves into whatever work we do, doing our very best, totally and fully to glorify the Lord. This is doing whatever we do not to magnify ourselves or any man, but to magnify Christ.

This verse goes hand in hand with 1 Corinthians 10:31,

"Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for God’s glory."

That about sums it up. Whatever we do, we must do everything for God, for His glory, for His sake, for His name.

But the verses don't end there. "Knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ." For our commitment to doing everything for Christ, we'll be rewarded with an inheritance. This inheritance is an eternal reward from God.

Finally, we must not neglect the last part of vs. 24 - "You serve the Lord Christ." Who do we ultimately serve in all of our work? Christ. When we hand in that English essay, or math test, or report, we may be serving our teacher, but we're firstly serving our Lord Christ.

So, in summary of all this, what does Colossians say about work? That 1) it must be done enthusiastically, 2) it must be done for the glory of God, not men, and 3) we will be rewarded for our faithful work.

Your Saturday Smile: Superbowl Edition

2012-02-04T11:58:00.000-04:00

In honour of Super Bowl XLVI, set to take place tomorrow night, here's a few crazy facts about this famous game:

A 30-second commercial during the Super Bowl costs 3.5 million dollars, which is $400,000 more than last year!
Originally, the NFL Commissioner, Pete Rozelle, wanted to call the Super Bowl, "The Big One."
The estimated number of chicken wings eaten on Super Bowl Sunday is 1 billion.
Of the top ten most watched American television programs of all time, nine of them are Super Bowls.
8 million pounds of guacamole is eaten during the Super Bowl, and 14,500 tons of chips are eaten along with the guacamole.
Both teams playing in the Super Bowl (New York Giants and New England Patriots) have won three Super Bowls before.
No footage of the first Super Bowl exists - apparently some guy taped over it!

What Colossians Says About the Family: Part 4

2012-02-03T10:54:00.002-04:00

"Wives, submit to your husbands as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and don't be bitter toward them. Children, obey your parents in everything for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so they become discouraged." Colossians 3:18-21

Today, we end our series on the family by looking at the head of the family,

"Fathers ..."

First, let's look at the first part of this command to fathers - "do not exasperate your children." Dictionary.com defines this word exasperate as: "to irritate or provoke to the highest degree; annoy extremely." The Merriam-Webster Dictionary says simply, "to excite the anger of." Needless to say, this is a serious thing. Other translations have defined this word as "provoke," "embitter," "aggravate," and "be so hard upon." Basically, it comes down to a father provoking his child to anger, or "discourage[ment]."

But what exactly does that mean? A child being "discouraged"? John Piper has more to say on this:

"The goal of a good father is to rear children who are not discouraged. The word implies losing heart, being listless, spiritless, disinterested, moody, sullen, with a kind of blank resignation toward life. Don't be the kind of father who rears that kind of person. Instead develop a style of fatherhood that produces the opposite of discouragement. Now what is that? I would sum it up in three characteristics: The opposite of being discouraged is being hopeful. The opposite of being discouraged is being happy. The opposite of being discouraged is being confident and courageous.

So I would say that the negative form of verse 21 really implies a positive command as well. It says, "Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged." But it means not only avoid one kind of fatherhood; it also means pursue another kind, namely, the kind of fatherhood which gives hope instead of discouragement; and gives happiness instead of discouragement; and gives confidence and courage."

So fathers are to raise kids that are hopeful, happy, and confident and courageous in the Lord. That sounds like a big task. And it is! But it's also a blessing. I know my dad recognizes the huge responsibility he has as a father, but also embraces it and cherishes it.

Now, last but not least, just because Paul only mentions fathers in this passage, he does not negate the mother's role in the familial setting either. Remember on Tuesday when we looked at verse 20, "Children, obey your parents." Then we looked over at Ephesians 6:2, where Paul quotes Exodus 20:12, saying, "Honor your father and mother." (emphasis mine) Throughout the Scriptures, especially the Proverbs, a mother's role is lifted up and honoured. So, though Colossians 3:21 focuses on the father's role and we discussed primarily the father's role, the mother's role is still very important!

The bottom line is that the family is an important, incredible, fantastic, God-given institution that is meant to be exalted and cherished and respected. But, as much as we love our families and our fathers, we must love and exalt our Heavenly Father even more. For it was He who gave us life, rescued us from the darkness, granted us redemption, adopted us into His family, called us heirs, named us sons, and blessed us richly. I think the final stanza of that old hymn, A Christian Home, by Barbara B. Hart and Jean Sibelius sums it up well:

"O Lord, our God, our homes are Thine forever! We trust to Thee their problems, toil, and care. Their bonds of love no enemy can sever if Thou art always Lord and Master there. Be Thou the Center of our least endeavor. Be Thou our Guest, our hearts and homes to share."

What Colossians Says About the Family: Part 3

2012-01-31T12:28:00.002-04:00

"Wives, be submissive to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and don’t be bitter toward them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so they won’t become discouraged." Colossians 3:18-21

Today we'll tackle Colossians 3:20, and what Paul says in regards to ...

"Children ..."

Children are given a singular command here - obey your parents. Not just partly or in some things, but in everything. Whatever Mom and Dad say, do it. And why? "For this pleases the Lord greatly." When we're pleasing our parents, we're pleasing the Lord. That's pretty cool, if you think about it. When we submit to our parents, we're ultimately submitting to God.

What's even better is that we'll get something back for obeying our parents (though that's not the reason we do it). Ephesians 6:1-3 tells us,

"Children, obey your parents as you would the Lord, because this is right. Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise, so that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life in the land."

"Honor your parents" is the first commandment out of the 10 Commandment that includes a promise! How crazy is that! Obey Mom and Dad ... so it can go well with you. A lot of kids (me included) have thought that our parents' rules and orders were for their benefit, but they're really for ours! Now that doesn't mean that the blessings we receive from our obedience will be material, but they will certainly be great.

So, to end this short, sweet, and simple post, as children, let's obey and honor our parents, always remembering to follow the perfect example of a child's obedience - Jesus, submitting Himself to the Father's will, and coming to earth to die the sacrificial death that we all deserved, and rising again to grant life to all who will trust in His name. That is what obedience really is, and that is the obedience we children must seek to exemplify.

"Honor your father and your mother so that you may have a long life in the land that the Lord your God is giving you." ~ Exodus 20:12

Growing in Grace: January 2012

2012-01-28T16:56:00.000-04:00

Here's a handful of links that I hope will aid you as you continue to "grow in grace" during this rainy, snowy month of January!

The Attributes of God - This is Tim Challies' second infographic (a graphic chart that displays information visually). It covers 25 of our awesome God's attributes. If you'd like to see his first infographic - on the ordo salutis (The Order of Salvation) - you can check it out here.
Eight Ways to Approach Scripture - "J. C. Ryle was a man of the Word. The first bishop of Liverpool ... wanted his people to read the Scriptures. And we want the same thing, for ourselves and for you. To help us out, Erik Kowalker recently compiled a list of tips straight from Ryle's book Practical Religion. Here are eight profitable ways to read the Bible."
Sitting is Good News - A short, but fantastic, post by Kevin DeYoung on Hebrews 1:3-4, where we read that Jesus "sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs."
Fast Food Ads vs. Reality - Okay, this is just plain interesting. How often have you stared at a poster of a massive, decadent, mouth-watering burger only to race to the drive-thru, order said burger, and receive a squished lump of food about half the size and beauty of that poster? This photographer takes a look at several different fast food ads versus the reality of what they actually look like when you get them.
To Criticize or Not? And last, but far from least, my dad has been doing some great posts on online criticism over at One More Caw. For any Christian who has ever wondered about this, this is a fantastic series. Check out Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.

What Colossians Says About the Family: Part 2

2012-01-27T10:26:00.000-04:00

"Wives, be submissive to your husbands as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and don't be bitter toward them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so they become discouraged." Colossians 3:18-21

Today we'll take a look at the next verse in this short passage. Colossians 3:19 is addressed directly to ...

"Husbands ..."

The command to husbands has two distinct parts. The first part is "love your wives." This phrase may sound a bit peculiar at first. Love their wives? Isn't that just a given, we might ask? But, if we look a little more into this kind of love, we'll see that it isn't just any ordinary sort of thing. The HCSB Study Bible suggests that this love "refers to selfless sacrificial concern and care for the welfare of another person." This is the kind of love that Paul talks about in Ephesians 5:25-28: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her to make her holy, cleansing her with the washing of water by the word. He did this to present the church to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or anything like that, but holy and blameless. In the same way, husbands are to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself." (emphasis mine) Paul encourages husbands to love their wives by using the example of Perfect Love - Jesus came to earth to die on the cross for His bride, the Church, because He loved her so much! He was willing to lay down His life sacrificially for His Bride, just as a husband must for his wife.

Now, let's keep in mind that we're sinful humans, so it is impossible for us to love in the same way Christ did. So, though we can never model perfect love ourselves, we can still rejoice in Christ's perfect love for us, and try to emulate it.

The second part of this command to husbands is to "not be bitter toward" their wives. This is another phrase that, on the surface, may seem a bit puzzling. Well, I was curious as to that word "bitter," so I went and looked up this verse in a couple different translations. The ESV translates the word as "harsh." The NASB says "embittered against." These help us understand this verse's meaning a little bit better. Husbands are not to be bitter, or harsh, to their wives. The ESV Student Study Bible says in regards to this: "Violence, threats, and unkind words are not acceptable in a Christian home." That is certainly true. Husbands are to be the spiritual leader in a home, and an example to others. Harshness, bitterness, violence, and unkindness are all to be exempt from the husband-wife relationship.

So there's the second role of the family as defined by Paul in Colossians. Next, we'll look at verse 20 and what Paul says about children!

What Colossians Says About the Family: Part 1

2012-01-24T15:32:00.000-04:00

"Wives, be submissive to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and don't be bitter towards them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so they become discouraged." Colossians 3:18-21

Today we'll begin looking at what Colossians teaches us about the sacred institute we call the family. Paul has divided it up into four neat little sections, so let's take a look at each one of these. We'll start, as Paul does, with wives.

"Wives ..."

Out of all the things Paul could say about wives, a single sentence sums up what he wants the Colossian wives to know: submit to your husbands. And it wasn't as if that was the only thing Paul could come up with! Throughout other letters, he mentions wives and their roles nearly ten times (1 Corinthians 7:29; Ephesians 5:22; Ephesians 5:24; Ephesians 5:25; Ephesians 5:28; Colossians 3:18; Colossians 3:19; 1 Timothy 3:11). But submission of wives is a major theme Paul touches on in many of his letters. In Ephesians, he goes so far as to tell wives to submit to their husbands twice - and only two verses apart! And why? Because submission of wives is a major role they have, one that goes back as far as the Garden. It was one of the first roles God gave woman after the Fall. "To the woman he said, ... "Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.”" (Genesis 3:16 - emphasis mine) Now, this isn't a dictatorship type of ruling, but simply a different role. Man's role is to rule, or "be the head over" (Ephesians 5:23) his wife. Just like Christ is the head over the Church, husbands are the head over their wives.

Now, this does not mean that every woman must submit to every man. The Bible is clear that a woman is to submit to her husband. That is what the Lord commanded. It also does not mean that women are inferior to men in any way. As people before God, they are entirely equal. God does not love men more than woman, or favour them more. He just purposely gave them different roles.

Now, what about if you aren't a wife? Well, if you're a young woman like me, who, if the Lord wills, hopes to get married someday, then this is applicable in that we can study qualities of a godly wife and prepare to be one one day. But if you're an older single woman not planning on getting married or anyone else who is not a wife, by studying the role of a godly wife, you can encourage Christian wives you know. Just like Paul set out to encourage the Colossian wives in their role of submission to their husbands, 21st century Christians can encourage younger wives in their church to submit to their husbands, "as is fitting in the Lord," just as the Lord would have it.

We'll take a look at the next three familial roles, husbands, children, and fathers in the next posts.

Sanctity of Life Sunday

2012-01-22T14:50:00.000-04:00

Today is a day unlike any other. It's a "holiday" of sorts, hated and not celebrated by millions, yet unknown to millions more. It is Sanctity of Life Sunday, and on this day, January 22, we solemnly remember the 39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion in the United States and celebrate the sanctity of life.

Below, I've pasted several resources on abortion that I strongly encourage you to look into. I don't know how much you know about abortion or where you stand, but I hope that the people who have taken the time to craft these posts and resources on abortion, the gospel, and the sanctity of human life will open your eyes to the horror of this legalized murder of unborn babies.

Before you read these, here's a quote by John Piper I encourage you to keep in mind:

"Let’s be like Jesus. In every social issue from abortion to alcoholism, from AIDS to unemployment, from hunger to homelessness, let’s give the help that we would like to receive if it were us. And at every moment in that love, let us feel an even greater urgency to pray and speak and work to rescue people from everlasting suffering through the gospel of Jesus. And to that end, may we rest and rejoice that we have a Father in heaven who hears our cry and will get us home."

Abort73.com - "Abort73.com is an online resource designed to creatively and comprehensively educate students about the injustice of abortion, and provide them with simple tools to help pass that education along to others."
A Month for Life - This post by Kathleen Nielson from the Gospel Coalition blog links the child's right to life with receiving gifts from God.
What Does Roe v. Wade Actually Say? - This short post from the Desiring God blog overviews what the 1973 Roe v. Wade case actually accomplished.
Abortion is as American as Apple Pie - This article from Dr. Albert Mohler looks at abortion and one of the leading pro-choicers, Merle Hoffman.
Sanctity of Life, Gendercide, and Science - This well-written abortion blog is by Carolyn McCulley.
Please, God, No! - This is the story of Maryann Loveing, who as a teenager aborted her baby. After a period of grief and despair, she found freedom in Christ.
Five Things We Can Do for the Unborn - This article from John Piper is very applicable!

Your Saturday Smile: Universe Edition

2012-01-21T13:38:00.000-04:00

Today's Saturday Smile is much different than usual. This video will not incite the usual "ha-ha-funny-or-amusing" smile. It's more a "wow-God-is-so-incredible-I've-just-got-to" smile. I'm not sure about the mention of the sun "lighting our solar system for 4.6 billion years," but the rest is fantastic! So enjoy, smile, and be in awe of our Creator.

(HT: Challies)

"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork." ~ Psalm 19:1

What Colossians Says About the Christian Walk: Part 2

2012-01-19T18:36:00.000-04:00

"Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, overflowing with gratitude." Colossians 2:6-7

On Tuesday we looked at the first two parts of those verses, seeing what it means to "walk in [Christ]" and be "rooted and built up in Him." Today we'll look at the second two parts, beginning with ...

"... established in the faith, just as you were taught ..."

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary states that establish means "to make firm or stable." So, in other words, we're to be firm and stable in the faith. Paul confirms this in 1 Corinthians 16:13, which says, "Be alert, stand firm in the faith ... be strong." Paul later echoes this in Philippians 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 3:8, 2 Thessalonians 2:15, and 2 Timothy 2:1. Peter also encourages believers to remain firm when he says in 1 Peter 5:9, "Resist him [the devil] and be firm in the faith."

But how do we become established, rooted, strong in the faith? "Just as you were taught ..." We must be taught! Through sermons, Sunday School lessons, personal study of the Word, Bible Study, small groups, one-on-one times with a mentor. Those tiny seeds didn't become towering oaks without someone to care for and water them.

Another component is time. We won't become established in the faith in just a few months. It will take years of careful study and endurance until we truly become established in the faith.

"... overflowing with gratitude."

Just over one chapter later, in Colossians 3:16, we read, "Let the message about the Messiah dwell richly among you, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, with gratitude in your hearts to God." (emphasis mine) That verse answers the first basic question that comes up from that phrase, "overflowing with gratitude." Gratitude to whom? As we just read, to God! It is God who provides us with the growth in our faith. (1 Corinthians 3:7) It is God who saved us, who redeemed us, who is sanctifying us. I think that there should be no question of us overflowing with gratitude.

I like the word choice there - overflowing. It makes me picture a glass placed on the water cooler. I press the ON button and the water starts to flow into my cup. But then I get distracted and before I know it, water is gushing over the sides and splashing everywhere. That's how we should be with gratitude to God! We should be bubbling up with it, splashing it all over the place, affecting all areas and peoples around us.

So, after all that, what does Colossians say about the Christian walk?

It must be walked in Christ.
It must be rooted in Christ.
It must be established in Christ.
It must be walked gratefully in Christ.

What Colossians Says About the Christian Walk: Part 1

2012-01-17T15:42:00.000-04:00

"Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, overflowing with gratitude." ~ Colossians 2:6-7

I was tempted to skip over these short verses. Not because of a lack of value and wisdom, but because, quite simply, they're verses that are often overlooked. But as I recited the book of Colossians this morning, these verses really stuck out to me. Why? Because they reveal so much about the Christian walk, a topic I wasn't even planning to touch on. Yet here they were. And here we are. So I've divided the Christian walk into four steps as outlined in these verses.

"Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in Him ..."

What in the world does it mean to "walk in" Christ? We've figured out in previous posts that we must live in Him, but walk in Him? What is that all about? In Romans 6 and 13, Paul expands on this.

"Therefore we were buried with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in a new way of life." Romans 6:4

This refers to walking "in a new way of life." That is definitely a part of walking in Christ. It means we turn away from our previous life of sin and choose to live a new life in Christ.

"Let us walk with decency, as in the daylight: not in carousing and drunkenness; not in sexual impurity and promiscuity; not in quarreling and jealousy." Romans 13:13

This adds another component to walking in Him - walking "with decency, as in the daylight." But why the daylight? Because we're children of the light: "The night is nearly over, and the daylight is near, so let us discard the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light." (Romans 13:12) We need to "put on the armor of light," and walk in the light! That is what "walk[ing] in Christ" is - turning aside from our old, sinful lives to walk in the light, a new way of life.

"... rooted and built up in Him ..."

I always picture a tree when I hear this. But not just any tree. An oak. Big. Thick. Solid. Immovable. Nothing is going to move this towering strength from its place. It's rooted in the ground, and those roots are stronger than steel. That's what it means to be rooted in Christ. Our entire being is buried and built in Him. Our roots are embedded in Christ. We're not some itty-bitty, tiny, weakling of a tree; we're strong in Him.

We'll cover the last two things Colossians says about the Christian walk in part two. Until then, my friends, let's strive to walk in Christ, rooted and built up in Him.

What Colossians Says About Sin

2012-01-14T14:17:00.004-04:00

We've looked at probably the two most important topics in Colossians - Christ first and then salvation - but now we're going to look at maybe not the most fun topic, but certainly one of great importance - sin. Colossians reveals many painful, yet redemptive, truths about this deadly parasite called sin and here I've outlined just four of them for you.

Sin alienates us from God. "Once you were alienated and hostile in your minds because of your evil actions ..." (Colossians 1:21) "Your evil actions." Ouch. This first thing Colossians reveals about sin is that it alienates us from God. Because of evil - sin - we are separated and hostile towards God. Before we were saved, sin stood like a stone wall separating us from God. Because our God is holy, He can not be in the presence of sin. So when we sin and we revel and dwell in that sin and do not repent, we're alienating ourselves from our Maker. We don't think about that too often, do we? No, we think of sin as momentary pleasure, fun that will last for a while. We think of it as being enjoyable, not realizing with every step towards sin, we're laying a brick in that wall in front of God. Sin corrupts our relationship with God. Fortunately, there's good news for us. Even though our sin alienates us from God, "now He has reconciled you by His physical body through His death." (Colosians 1:22) Through Christ's redemptive death, we can repent and be reconciled to God! How awesome is that!
Sin destroys us. "And when you were dead in trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh ..." (Colossians 2:13a) I've already talked about this in my posts on salvation, but, I'll just briefly say again, sin kills us. It destroys us. Before we were in the light, we were in the darkness, the suffocating, deadly darkness. We were dead people. Dead in our trespasses, our sin. Only the light of the gospel, the light of Christ can stop sin from destroying us.
Sin puts us in bondage. "He erased the certificate of debt ..." (Colossians 2:14a) You may not have realized it, but before we were Christians, we were enslaved to sin, indebted to it. Most non-Christians think that even though they don't serve Christ, they can be just neutral. They think that they don't serve anyone. But, sadly, that's just not true. If you don't serve God, you serve sin. And sin is a harsh, evil master, who does not want your good. It wants your harm. Sin puts us in bondage.
Sin incites God's wrath. "Therefore put to death what belongs to your worldly nature. ... Because of these God's wrath comes on the disobedient." (Colossians 3:5-6) Because God is a holy, just God, He must punish the guilty. He must pour out His wrath, His judgment, on the unrepentant sinners. Many people don't like to hear this, but as Christians, it should spurn us on to tell everyone we know about the gospel, warning them of the coming wrath of God and of the good news of Jesus.

As we study this sobering topic, I hope we'll all keep in the mind the good news that comes along with this - that Jesus Christ died to set us free from sin and death and to grant us newness of life in Him! That is why we can discuss sin and death and still rejoice - because we no longer serve sin; we serve and rejoice in Christ!

What Colossians Says About Salvation: Part 2

2012-01-12T18:32:00.000-04:00

Today we'll answer a final question on salvation: how must we live once we're saved?

"So if you have been raised with the Messiah, seek what is above, where the Messiah is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on what is above, not on what is on the earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with the Messiah in God. When the Messiah, who is your life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory." (Colossians 3:1-4)

Once we've been saved and have put sin to death, we have another responsibility. We've died to sin, so we must now live in Christ. We must set our eyes on eternal things, not on the fleeting happenings of the world. And why? Because our life is hidden with God! We must seek what is above, where our Messiah is. And why? Because we were raised with the Messiah! We crucified ourselves to sin with Christ when He saved us, but now we are raised with Him to live in Him. Just look at the verses from Tuesday in Romans 6. It says "if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. ... So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus." (emphasis mine) We are no longer dead to God, but alive to Him! So now we must live in Him!

This is salvation. We were 1) saved by God, then we realized we must 2) become sin-slayers and, finally we 3) live in Christ. That is what Colossians says about salvation.

To see a chart outlining the order of biblical salvation (ordo salutis), check out here.

What Colossians Says About Salvation: Part 1

2012-01-07T18:55:00.001-04:00

Today we'll be looking at the theme of salvation in Colossians by way of answering three important questions.

Who Worked Salvation Out?
To answer this, we'll start with Colossians 1:21-22:

"Once you were alienated and hostile in your minds because of your evil actions. But now He has reconciled you by His physical body, through His death to present you holy, faultless, and blameless before Him."

The first thing I noticed in this passage is how it focuses on Christ working our salvation out. It starts with us being alienated and hostile in our minds because of our evil actions, our sin, and then He reconciled us by His physical body, through His death so that we may be presented before Him. He did everything. We learn that later in Colossians 2:13-14: "And when you were dead ... He made you alive with Him and forgave us ... He erased the certificate of death ... and has taken it out of the way by nailing it to the cross." We were dead people; we could do nothing. It was He who was able to work our salvation out and raise us from our old, lifeless selves to new creations. It starts with sin, our evil desires which separate us from God. But then Jesus' atoning death saves us. We're new creatures. Now we have a responsibility ...

What Must We Do Once We're Saved?

"Therefore put to death what belongs to your worldly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry ... But now you must also put away all the following: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and filthy language from your mouth. Do not lie to one another since you have put off the old self with its practices." (Colossians 3:5, 8-9)

My dad got a sweatshirt for Christmas with a famous John Owen quote: "Be killing sin or sin will be killing you." Profound and true. Once we've been saved, we have a responsibility. What we once served, we must now slay. We must daily be putting sin to death. Romans 6:8, 10-11 sheds a little more light on this - "Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. ... For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus." (emphasis mine) Our duty as Christians is to put sin to death. But what does that really mean? It means to literally remove each sin from our lives permanently. This isn't a temporary thing; it's for good. We need to get rid of sin, or, you see, sin will get rid of us.

We have one more question to answer, but we'll save that for the next post. What is that question? you wonder. I'll leave it for you to ponder on - How must we live once we're saved?

What Colossians Says About Christ: Part 2

2012-01-06T13:55:00.000-04:00

There's so much more to learn about Christ in Colossians. That's why I've looked through the rest of the book and selected just a few more sections that speak of the picture of Christ that Paul paints in Colossians.

He is the revealed mystery of God. This is really a rather fascinating thing, if I do say so myself. The first time we hear about "the mystery" is Colossians 1:25-26. Paul writes, "I have become its servant, according to God's administration that was given to me for you to make God's message fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to His saints." When I first read this, my interest was piqued. If you know me, you know that I love mysteries! Give me a good mystery novel, and I'll be hunkered down in my bedroom all day! But the reason I love reading mystery novels and even watching mystery shows is because of the end, when the mystery is revealed. Because there's no purpose to a mystery if, in the end, the mystery does not become a mystery no longer. That's why Paul is careful to reveal this mystery to us just five verses later in Colossians 2:2-3. "I want their hearts to be encouraged and joined together in love so that they may have all the riches of assured understanding and have the knowledge of God's mystery - Christ. All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Him." There you have it! Christ is the revealed mystery of God! But why is that a mystery? The ESV Student Study Bible suggests that "the mystery refers to God's unfolding plan for the world and for redemption through the Messiah." So, the mystery of how God will redeem His people was revealed with Christ's coming.
He is victorious. "He disarmed the rulers and authorities and disgraced them publicly; He triumphed over them by Him." (Colossians 2:15) Christ triumphed over the rulers and authorities! He triumphed over those who tried to kill Him, those who tried to conquer Him. Instead, He conquered them! The HCSB Online Study Bible offers a really cool picture of Jesus' triumph: "The word triumphed ... evokes the imagery of a triumphal procession where a victorious general would lead a parade to display the booty and prisoners of war from his conquest." Isn't that a neat thought? Jesus, the victorious, almighty general, leading a triumphant, joyful parade to display what He won through His victory!
He is the new covenant. This is one that I hadn't spent too much time on before my dad brought it up. "Therefore, don't let anyone judge you in regard to food and drink or in the matter of a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of what was to come; the substance is the Messiah." (Colossians 2:16-17) You see Jesus fulfilled the old covenant, the covenant God made with the Israelites many, many years ago, spoken of in the Pentateuch. You see, all those laws and regulations they had to follow were fulfilled in Jesus. That's why we don't have to only eat certain foods and wear specific clothes and take part in special festivals. It's because Christ abolished the old covenant and became the new covenant. But why did Jesus have to get rid of the old covenant? The simple answer - because it wasn't being properly fulfilled. The sinful Israelites could not perfectly keep the covenant with God. That's why Jesus had to become the perfect sacrifice and the perfect priest and the perfect covenant-keeper. The old covenant that was not being upheld by the Israelites was taken out of the way with Jesus' sacrifice, and the new covenant was welcomed in. (Hebrews 9:15-28)
He is authoritative. "You have been filled by Him, who is the head over every ruler and authority." (Colossians 2:10) Jesus is the ultimate authority. He is above and head over every other. Presidents, prime ministers, governors, senators, mayors - He's above them all. And nothing they do goes unnoticed by Him. His authority trumps every other.

These 11 things that Colossians says about Christ only touches the surface. I encourage you to dig deeper! But I hope that this beginning has helped set the tone for what is to come in Colossians. For Christ is truly the most important thing we could ever study in any book, but especially in Colossians.

What Colossians Says About Christ: Part 1

2012-01-06T13:49:00.001-04:00

Today we're back to Colossians. But before I begin part one of this series, I want to give you a few particulars about this book.

Author: Paul, the apostle
Date: Around A.D. 62
Recipients: The church at Colossae
Occasion: "Paul wrote to warn against ... false teaching and to encourage the believers in their growth towards Christian maturity." - ESV Student Study Bible

So now, without further ado, let's get started! I decided to begin with the most important theme in Colossians - Christ. So much in Colossians speaks of Christ. I think the best place to start is the magnificent hymn in chapter one, verses 15-20:

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For everything was created by Him, in heaven and on the earth, the visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities, all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things and by Him all things hold together. He is also the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead so that He might come to have first place in everything. For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him and through Him to reconcile everything to Himself by making peace through the blood of His cross, whether things on earth or things in heaven."

Through this passage, we discover seven important things about Christ.

He is God. Colossians 1:15 tells us that "He is the image of ... God." Colossians 1:19 tells us that "God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him." The entire being of God dwells in Jesus Christ the man. He is fully man, yet totally and fully God. The entire deity is just as much a part of Him as humanity is. Yet it was this being God that allowed Him to remain totally perfect, for we know that God cannot sin, thus Jesus Christ, being God, could not sin. Later, in Colossians 2:9 we read that "the entire fullness of God's nature dwells bodily in Christ." This is just another point emphasizing Jesus' divinity.
He created everything. Colossians 1:16 says, "Everything was created by Him." He was there Day #1, creating the heavens and the earth, the ocean and the sky, the animals and humans. He and God the Father and God the Spirit were all working intricately together to create everything.
Everything was created for Him. Not only did He create everything, it was created with the purpose to glorify Him. All creation is for Him, for His glory, for His name. That was always the purpose of creation, the original idea back when it took place.
He is the firstborn. Colossians 1:17 tells us that, "He is before all things." Also, back in Colossians 1:15, we read that He is "the firstborn over all creation." He was before all human kind. He was there before Adam and Eve, before creation, before the angels, before everything and anything. What a mind-blowing thought! Colossians 1:18 adds that "He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead." He is. He was. He always has been. He had no beginning. Yes, He was born on earth sometime between A.D. 6-4, but that was not when He came into existence. He was always in existence.
He is the sustainer of all things. The end of Colossians 1:17 says, "By Him all things hold together." He holds the invisible thread that suspends our earth in the universe. He holds our lives in His hand. Life and death are all dictated by Him. He sustains all living things and keeps everything working exactly the way He likes it.
He is the head of the church. Colossians 1:18 tells us this - "He is also the head of the body, the church." No matter what some pastors may tell you, Jesus Christ is the Shepherd of His flock, not any man. In our church bulletin, it reads, "Our Shepherd: Jesus Christ. Our Under-Shepherd: Sean Crowe." I like that. It reinforces the fact that Jesus is the head of our church, not my dad.
He made peace with God for us through the cross. Colossians 1:19-20 finish off this beautiful section with, "For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him and through Him to reconcile everything to Himself by making peace through the blood of His cross, whether things on earth or things in heaven." His death paid the price for peace with God that we could never pay. It was a fee we could never even come close to paying! That's why the cross is so essential. Through the cross and through the blood He spilled, Christ reconciled us to God. How amazing is that! How blessed we are to have been saved from the wrath of God and to have been blessed with the ability to now have peace with God!

I better stop now, but there's still so much more Colossians says about Christ. So stay tuned as we further delve into the theme of Christ in Colossians!

The Unsung Hero

2012-01-06T13:21:00.000-04:00

What's your favourite book of the Bible? Like my dad, you may have 66 favourite books of the Bible, but most of us have at one time or another been specifically ministered to by a particular book. For many, that book is Ephesians. A great theological jewel, chockablock full of rich spiritual truths that we can draw upon. For others, it's Philippians, a book of great joy. For others, it's the Psalms, the 150 chapters expressing praise, frustration, anger, sadness, joy, and exaltation in the Lord. Others love the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible. Still others love Romans, or the Gospels, or Proverbs, or 1-3 John, or Hebrews, or so many others. But how many of you would say Colossians? Not many, I bet. A man at my church summed it up perfectly when he read a passage from Colossians 3 one Sunday morning. He began with: "I'll now be reading from Colossians 3:12-17." Here he paused. "Hm ... Colossians isn't a book I much think about." And, for many of us, and as of last year, me included, that's what comes to our mind when we hear Colossians. But after my dad and I memorized the whole book last May-September, my view slowly shifted until Colossians was my very favourite book of the Bible!

You see, Colossians is a sort of unsung hero of the Bible. If you ask people why they don't read it or think about it much, it isn't because it's hard to read, or lacking on rich theology, or too long, or too short. It's because we simply don't hear about it much. It's a somewhat quiet book with a few famous passages that everyone has heard about, yet with so many other wonderful verses that no one has ever heard about. Now I'm not saying that everyone ignores Colossians or hardly anybody reads it. Most assuredly not! I'm simply mentioning the fact that compared to others, it's a less thought of, or popular, book of the Bible.

For example, how many books have you read on Colossians? How many sermons or Sunday School lessons have you heard on Colossians? How many blog posts have you read on Colossians? If the answer to any of those questions is Few, Not Many, or None, then I hope you'll enjoy this next blog series. For I'm going to take several posts to discuss some of Colossians' main topics. We're going to look at what Colossians says about Christ. We're going to look at what it says about the family. We're going to look at what it says about salvation, sin, the gospel, life and death, and even more. I hope that by the end of this series, you'll be able to look back and have a pretty good overview of this magnificent book. Hopefully, you'll even be able to remember some key themes, some incredible verses, and some of the exciting topics it covers. Until then, why don't you read Colossians? Four chapters, 95 verses. It's not long. I assure you, it will be well worth your time.

A Great Month for Scripture Memory

2012-01-02T21:31:00.000-04:00

Today is a big day for Dad and me. We are privileged and blessed to start Book #2. By that I simply mean the second book of the Bible that we're memorizing together. After starting Colossians in May of last year and finishing in September, we reviewed the book for 100 days in a row, after which we selected our second book to memorize and will begin doing just that tonight. What book did we pick, you ask? Well, I picked Colossians, so Dad got to pick Book #2, and he chose ... Habakkuk!

January is perhaps the perfect month for Scripture memory. Things have slowed down after the Christmas rush, and with many long, winter days ahead of you, it's the perfect time to pick up the Word and start memorizing. Now, I am by no means saying you need to memorize whole books of the Bible like my dad and me. I'm simply saying you need to memorize Scripture. A single verse here and there. Perhaps a favourite paragraph or chapter. Or, if you're up for the fantastic challenge, a whole book! But why memorize Scripture, you may ask? Perhaps you doubt the benefits or reasons of memorizing Scripture. What's the point? Why waste my time? I'll probably forget it all in a week anyway. Well, if any of these sound familiar or relevant to you, I humbly submit just four incredibly important reasons why you should memorize Scripture:

We're commanded. (Deuteronomy 6:4-8; Deuteronomy 11:18-20; Joshua 1:8) Memorizing Scripture is not an option; it's a duty. But I don't really like the word "duty," for it paints a picture of obeying a command begrudgingly. We should never memorize Scripture with impure hearts. We should memorize the Word with joy, and though it's not always easy, it shouldn't be a chore.
We'll sin less. (Psalm 119:11) It's true! "I have stored up your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." (emphasis mine) The psalmist memorized the Word of God with the purpose of sinning less! How cool is that? If we memorize Scripture, we'll sin less. We'll still be far from perfect, but when many familiar sins taunt us, we can counteract the attacks with truths from the Word.
We'll be more equipped to witness. If you think of all the sermons Jesus preached and the talks Jesus had, in many circumstances, he recited Old Testament Scriptures. If you think of all the letters Paul wrote, in almost every letter, he recited Old Testament Scriptures. When you talk to friends, family, or even complete strangers about the gospel, having more of a grasp on Scripture will certainly aid you. You can share the Scriptural truths that you have hidden in your heart with others! How amazing is that?
Our relationship with the Lord will be strengthened. By memorizing truths about the Lord, hymns of praise, verses that speak the gospel clearly, instructions on holy living, and verses that simply teach me how to serve Christ more and better, I've grown so much closer to the Lord. My relationship with Him has grown stronger and closer.

So there you have it. I now encourage you to get into the Word, memorize it, and see for yourself how you'll be blessed and edified. For some more resources on Scripture memory check below. Sola scriptura, my friends. Scripture alone.

Memorize Now - This is a site that lets you type in your verse reference and it makes up a flash card for you. The only thing about this tool is that it restricts its translation to the ESV (English Standard Version). Personally, I prefer the HCSB translation, but I recommend this tool, though because of this site's limitation of translation, you may not benefit as much from it.
How to Memorize Verbatim Text - This is a very good article by Mark Shead.
Scripture Memory Flash Card Quiz - This site doesn't offer as much freedom to picking your own verses but is still good.
How to Memorize Large Portions of Scripture - This is a very good article by Andrew Davis for those of you who want to take part in the challenge of memorizing a book of the Bible or at least a large portion.

Another Year for Thee

2012-01-01T16:26:00.000-04:00

I stumbled across this beautiful hymn that I find a perfect way to begin the new year - "Another Year is Dawning," by Frances Havergal.

Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
In working or in waiting, another year with Thee.
Another year of progress, another year of praise,
Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.

Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace,
Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face;
Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast;
Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.

Another year of service, of witness for Thy love,
Another year of training for holier work above.
Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
On earth, or else in Heaven, another year for Thee.

Reflections on a Year Gone By

2011-12-29T20:06:00.000-04:00

Can you believe it? At midnight tonight, the ball will drop, the bells will chime, people will scream, pots will be banged, kazoos will be blown on, and 2011 will slip from our grasps forever, and we'll welcome in 2012 with open arms. A new year, a clean slate, full of promise and opportunity. I wonder what will happen in 2012 ...

The year of 2011 was a year to remember for all of us. The 10 year anniversary of 9/11, the devastating Japanese earthquakes, the Cardinals winning the World Series, the death of Osama bin Laden, revolutions in Egypt, the marriage of William and Kate, and so many other things that were never splashed across the homepage of CNN but impacted each one of us so poignantly, we'll never forget. This was a year of discovery and heartache. Sorrow and joy. Perhaps this was the worst year of your life. Perhaps it was the best. As this year draws to a close, I find myself asking some hard questions. How did I glorify God this year? How did I not? Did my relationship with Him strengthen or weaken? Did I learn to trust Him more? Was I faithful through suffering?

I don't know whether you make New Year's resolutions or not, but as we embark upon this new year, as yet unblemished, in the words of my dad, I hope that we'll all strive to know Christ and to make Him known. For that is why we were given every new minute, every new hour, every new day, and every new year.

Back to Normal

2011-12-29T19:42:00.000-04:00

Today we packed away the Christmas stuff. Away went the ornaments. Down went the garland. Out went the tree. By the end of the day, our house was back to normal. Everything was clean, tidy, and de-Christmastized. I wonder if that's how we feel sometimes as Christians. During the holiday season, we get decked out in our spiritual ware. We go to church every Sunday of December, make more of an effort to do devotions, go to church on Christmas Eve, give extra to the church offering, etc., etc. And then when Christmas passes, we clean the Bible reading, offerings, faithful church attending, constant prayer out of our lives and get back to "normal." It's somehow easier to serve Christ right around the time everyone celebrates His birth than to serve Him in the middle of a gray January day, when all thoughts of that blessed baby have been swept out of everyone's mind along with the Christmas dinner leftovers. But I hope that as we take down the reminders of Christmas from our homes, we would not from our hearts. Let's seek to serve and celebrate Christ all the year and make an effort to pray constantly, be in our devotions diligently, and attend church faithfully. So, after Christmas, when we get back to normal, our normal would be right at the feet of our Master, where we are constantly serving Him, no matter the time of the year.

Honouring Christmas in Our Hearts All Year

2011-12-26T21:37:00.000-04:00

On this day after Christmas, I'm reminded of what Ebenezer Scrooge said after his visit from the Three Spirits, his realization of his sin and then repentance: "I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all year," he swore. And he did. Though there was no sequel to The Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens assures us that Scrooge was a changed man ("And it was always said of him that he knew how to keep Christmas well if any man alive possessed the knowledge.") And all because of Christmas.

This year, I want to encourage us to keep Christmas in our hearts. But not because it brings happy memories of loved gifts, scrumptious turkey, or colourful decorations. Because it is a celebration of hope and joy! Hope and joy in the arrival of the promised Messiah, the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. The God who humbled Himself to the form of a helpless baby in a feeding trough in a stable. The Man who shook our earth to its core with His radical message. The King of kings who became a servant. The awesome Creator who gave Himself into the hands of His creation. The Master who traded splendor and glory for a broken world. The Giver of life who allowed simple men to take away His life. The God who owed us nothing who gave us glory and riches in Him. The Great Victor who conquered sin and death and rose from the grave. The Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. Jesus Christ. He is why we want to keep Christmas in our hearts. So that we can always be celebrating Him. Not the gifts, lights, tree, turkey, or tinsel. Let's celebrate Immanuel, when God came down with us.

Merry Christmas to All!

2011-12-25T06:28:00.000-04:00

Merry Christmas to you and your families this special day! Rejoice in these Scriptures as we celebrate Christ's birth!

"Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not grow faint or be discouraged till he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his law." Isaiah 42:1-4

"Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz, “Ask a sign of the LORD your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven.” But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, and I will not put the LORD to the test.” And he said, “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary men, that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." Isaiah 7:10-14

Christmas Countdown: 1 Day Until Christmas

2011-12-24T11:16:00.000-04:00

Well here we are. Saturday, December 24th, just one day before Christmas. As I was picking out a dress to wear to my church's Christmas Day Service tomorrow, a thought struck me. I wonder how many people won't go to church tomorrow because it's Christmas. And I wonder how many churches will cancel their services. A strange thought, I must admit. But it's woefully true. Many, many Christians will not attend church because it will get in the way of their traditions. Their presents. Their turkeys. How sad. On this day when we celebrate Christ's birth, worshiping with Christ's church is neglected because we get too concerned about our ourselves. I admit, I've found myself at times disappointed because Christmas Day was on a Sunday this year. But I've repented because that's so wrong! Christmas Day being on a Sunday is not a bad thing, but a wonderful blessing! How often do we get to celebrate the Lord's birth with His people on a Christmas morning? The problem is that we're losing focus of Christ. Our focus is slowly but surely slipping to ourselves, our wants, and our desires. As we celebrate this Christmas, let's rejoice in Christ and celebrate with His people on Sunday morning that our Messiah has indeed come. For He is why and what we celebrate at Christmas.

Christmas Countdown: 2 Days Until Christmas

2011-12-23T08:31:00.000-04:00

Here's a great, yet simple, video that boils down Christmas to "Christmas in a Nutshell."

(HT: Challies)

Christmas Countdown: 3 Days Until Christmas

2011-12-22T09:56:00.000-04:00

This post is by Ronnie Martin for the Gospel Coalition blog. It's called, "Scrooge, Overjoyed."

"We have short memories of poor, wretched Ebenezer Scrooge. Here was a fallen man in desperate need of redemption, with absolutely no desire to turn from his egregious ways. Then three spirits visited him, and all changed overnight. But the Scrooge we remember is not the forgiven one. It is not the redeemed curmudgeon whose joy on Christmas morning led him to leap through the air like a drunken man, exclaiming "Glorious, glorious!" We like to keep Scrooge locked in our hearts as the greedy, depraved, unregenerate sinner of his pre-visitation, using him as a cautionary tale about the damning effects of pursuing money and gain.

Ebenezer found joy, but we rarely let him have it. Yet when this joy was finally loosed in him, it knew no bounds.

Bob Cratchit, Scrooge's lowly employee, had a joy that transcended his earthly circumstances, which included a sick child, intolerable working conditions, and a salary that barely afforded him the essential provisions to feed his family. But it was Cratchit's joy that led him to hope for his son, feel charity toward his boss, and celebrate Christmas with an overflowing heart. Bob Cratchit had a joy that could not be contained.

Joy Diminished

Christmas cannot be contained, because the gospel can never be silenced. The world cannot shut out the light of Christ shining in the hearts of his children. But sometimes we find the light has dimmed. Writing in A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens tells us that Cratchit's wife initially refused to participate in a toast to Scrooge on Christmas. We're tempted to follow her example. We let bitterness, anger, and discontentment dim the light of Christ's birth from shining brighter in our lives. Though God has given us every good thing through the birth of his son, we have chosen instead to harbor doubt and distrust and condemn the very spirit of Christmas. Angry that Christmas has morphed into a commercial spectacle devoid of meaning we must defend, some of us have become angry little elves.

Even though Christmas has been somewhat corrupted, there's almost no other time of the year when talking about the gospel is so acceptable. It is stunning to turn on CBS and hear Linus reading from the Gospel of Luke in A Charlie Brown Christmas, or watch Christmas at Rockefeller Center and hear a pop star sing Joy to the World. When else is the gospel so prominently proclaimed?

Yet we want to play the Christmas police and protect the "real meaning of the season." Why do we expect a world that lives in darkness to understand Christmas in a way that only believers can? Are we Pharisees who want people to say the right words with the wrong hearts? Do we replace love for disgust, joy for disdain, peace for confusion, patience with intolerance, kindness for selfishness, faithfulness for ignorance, gentleness for harshness, and self control for selfish ambition?

May it never be said of us. Instead, let us display the heart of Christ to a world that desperately needs changed hearts.

Dickens did not write a gospel story, but A Christmas Carol still gives us a glorious model of a sinner's transformation from darkness into light. From a contaminated heart to joy uncontained.

For Ebenezer Scrooge, there was no Christ in Christmas until after he was redeemed. Let us all remember Scrooge for what he became to remind ourselves of who we once were."

Christmas Countdown: 4 Days Until Christmas

2011-12-21T10:26:00.000-04:00

A Christmas quote that provides great hope and "practical comfort and assurance."

"So the truth of the Incarnation is not just good theology; it is practical comfort and assurance. Jesus identifies with us in our humanity, and now we know that God is for us in Christ. He can be trusted. He went through torture too. When we see Jesus on the cross we can come to trust God with an unutterable trust that never for a moment considers He will not stand by us in our sufferings." ~Os Guinness (HT)

Christmas Countdown: 5 Days Until Christmas

2011-12-20T20:01:00.000-04:00

Mom and I both agree that it feels like Christmas has passed. Like it's come and gone and we're only left with the sugary crumbs, warm memories, and somewhat depressed spirits. But I think that always happens just a few days before Christmas. You drop to your Christmas down, and within a few more days, you'll be up on a Christmas high again. Then Christmas will arrive and afterwards, it really will be over. But you see, after Christmas has passed, we really shouldn't feel any sadness. We should just continue rejoicing, for that is what what Christmas is about! Rejoicing in the birth and death of our Saviour, Jesus Christ! We don't rejoice in the presents, the tree, the decorations, the turkey, the lights. We rejoice in Christ. When those dreary, grey winter days of January, February, and March come upon us, we should still be rejoicing. Let's not let feelings of sadness dictate us before or after Christmas, for our Messiah has come! And He has bled and died for His people's sins and set them free! So rejoice, my friends!

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice." Philippians 4:4

Christmas Countdown: 6 Days Until Christmas

2011-12-19T09:28:00.000-04:00

I had just settled in for a long winter's night, with a bowl of chips and A Wind at My Back Christmas. My cat was sprawled happily beside me, and I had barely hit "Play," when ... it happened. POP! CRASH! BANG! CLANG! My cat flew to her feet and raced downstairs. I hit "Stop" on my movie, set aside my chips, and hurried across the hall to where my brother was watching television. Before I could say a word, he met me in the hall and quickly asked, "Did you hear that?"

"Yeah," I replied. "Do you know what it was?"

"I think it was thunder," Travis suggested. But I wasn't so sure, since it was a crystal clear night. I decided to go downstairs to investigate. Mom and Dad weren't home, but Grandpa was downstairs. So I went down to his room, to see if he knew what the strange noise was. Well, when I asked him, what to my wondering ears did appear but a questioning, "I didn't hear anything." Now I was getting a little creeped out. Grandpa and I walked around the house, checking doors, making sure nothing had fallen or broken, and trying to figure out what the strange noise was. Finally we gave up, Grandpa going back to his room and me to my movie.

About half an hour later, I heard the garage door begin to open. "Oh good, Mom and Dad are home," I thought to myself. But suddenly, the garage door stopped. Then started. Then stopped. Then started. And so on, until finally Mom and Dad came through the front door. It was then that Grandpa came upstairs, smiling brightly. "I know what the sound is," he said. "One of your garage door springs has popped." It seems that when the springs that make the garage door go up and down are put under enough pressure and stress, they simply burst and with a pop, crash, bang, and clang, the garage door is useless.

During the holiday season, we're put under a lot of pressure and stress, just like that garage spring. So many things to do, so little time to do it. Baking, wrapping, singing, buying, reading, watching, listening, decorating, going to Christmas concerts and plays, and a million other things. But what we're all susceptible of, and what we all must guard ourselves against, is popping. Exploding. Bursting. Simply unable to handle the pressure any longer and losing it. During this last week before Christmas, let's focus our minds and hearts on Christ, as we prepare to celebrate His birth this weekend. Let's make an effort on spending time in the Word. Let's strive to spend time in prayer. Let's work on keeping Christ central in all the busyness. Because now, since that spring popped, our garage door is useless. So let's not pop under the stress of many things that will be of no eternal value and find ourselves useless to worship Christ. Let's prepare for the celebration of our Saviour's birth by choosing to focus on Him, not on the unimportant tasks. This holiday season, let's be Marys, not Marthas.

Christmas Countdown: 7 Days Until Christmas

2011-12-18T18:56:00.000-04:00

Today we read from our Week 4 Advent Scriptures. Enjoy and be blessed!

"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone." Isaiah 9:2

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this." Isaiah 9:6-7

Christmas Countdown: 8 Days Until Christmas

2011-12-17T09:50:00.000-04:00

Here's one of the last Christmas Saturday Smiles before Christmas Day is finally here! Enjoy!

1) Knock-knock.
Who's there?
Snow.
Snow, who?
Snow use - I've forgotten my name again!

2) What do you get if you eat Christmas decorations? Tinsel-itus!

3) How do sheep in Mexico say Merry Christmas? Fleece Navidad!

4) What do you call people who are afraid of Santa Claus? Claustrophobic.

5) Why was Santa's little helper depressed? He had low elf-esteem.

Christmas Countdown: 9 Days Until Christmas - Growing in Grace: December 2011

2011-12-16T09:56:00.000-04:00

Well, we're down to the one digits now - just 9 more days until Christmas! Today I have a bunch of Christmassy links that I hope will aid you in your growing of grace! Merry Christmas!

Beholding the Beauty of Christ in Wal-Mart - "Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, so the old saying goes. Just the same, we choose to behold (read: pursue and acquire) what we think is beautiful. Unfortunately, for so many of us, we have given little attention to what the Bible says about beauty. While Christians may have read the Bible for years, I wonder, when it comes to beauty, how many of us have been shaped by magazine covers, movies, and prom nights more than God's inspired Word?"

Ladies, Do Not Shy Away from Theology - "When I say the word “theology” what scary picture rushes into your mind? ... Let me paint a different picture for you: A woman sitting at the feet of her Rescuer, discovering the greatest love of her life; His likes and dislikes; pushing herself into who He is, relishing every aspect of His beautiful, amazing character. This, my sisters, is what theology is."

Persecuted, Jailed, Passionate: That's My Kind of Santa Claus - This article by James Parker III takes a look at the very real and very ancient St. Nicholas.

Let's Put the Chi Back in Xmas - Now, I know my dad already beat me to it by putting this up on Facebook, but it's still a fantastic post when it comes to the controversy of appropriate holiday greetings. I encourage you to check it out if you haven't already done so!

The Joseph Trilogy: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 - Have you ever wondered what the birth of Christ was like for Joseph? Jon Bloom takes an interesting guess at Joseph's responses and thoughts on the DesringGod blog.

The Name of Jesus - "Over the past 2000 years, more people on planet earth have known the name of Jesus than any other name. ... On the one hand, it’s strange that this single name has dominated the last 2000 years of world history, especially Western history. For most of us, Jesus has a sacred ring to it; it sounds holy and divine. But this wasn’t the case when Mary and Joseph followed the angel’s instructions and gave their baby his name. Granted, it had a special meaning, but it was not an unusual name. "

Christmas Countdown: 10 Days Until Christmas

2011-12-15T11:36:00.000-04:00

Here are some thought provoking questions on Christmas and Holy Living, written by my parents for last night's Bible Study. I pray that you would think honestly about these questions and allow them to impact how you live this Christmas season!

How does the world celebrate Christmas? How do we celebrate Christmas? Any difference?
What extra things do we do this season (baking, presents, decorate, etc.) and how are they done for the glory of the Lord (1 Corinthians 10:31)?
What things or traditions does your family have to specifically keep Christ the focus, and are there traditions which take the focus off of Christ which you need to reconsider?
How can we make an eternal impact this Christmas season?
What gifts can we give to others that cost no money - kindness to the frazzled check-out girl, opening doors, etc.?
How do we keep the resurrection focus and not just the nativity focus?

Christmas Countdown: 11 Days Until Christmas

2011-12-14T15:34:00.000-04:00

Today's post popped into my inbox a couple of days ago through the BibleGateway Carols of Christmas Advent Devotionals I receive these days leading up to December 25. It was taken from Songsandhymns.org. Here is the story behind Isaac Watt's Joy to the World.

When declining health forced Isaac Watts to cut back on his preaching, he turned to another task, Christianizing the Psalms. At the age of forty-five, he sat under a favorite tree on the Abney estate-property of the close friends with whom he lived-and penned the now famous words of "Joy to the World." His 1719 hymnal, Psalms of David Imitated in the Language of the New Testament, included the words under his original title for the poetry: "The Messiah's Coming and Kingdom."

As part of his effort to bring New Testament meanings to the Old Testament psalms, Watts based "Joy to the World" on the last half of Psalm 98: "Shout for joy to the Lord all the earth, . . . Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy; let them sing before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth." (vs. 4, 8).

Psalm 98 celebrated God's protection and restoration of his chosen people. Watts' carol rejoices in the same, as it expresses praise for the salvation that began when God became man. Both the psalm and the hymn also look ahead, to Christ coming again to reign: "He will judge the world with righteousness" (v. 9)

"Joy to the World" includes references to other Bible verses as well, including Gen. 3:17, Rom. 5:20, and Luke 2:10. Yet despite its lack of reference to Mary, Joseph, shepherds, angels, wise men, or the manger, it became one of the most loved Christmas carols. In a season for celebrating our Savior's birth, Watts' hymn beautifully expresses our joy at the coming of our Savior.

Christmas Countdown: 12 Days Until Christmas

2011-12-13T12:19:00.000-04:00

I love this short, yet powerful, video. This is what IgniterMedia says about this song, "All Ye Faithful:" Though thousands of years have passed, the message still remains the same: come. Come and behold Christ Jesus. Come and experience His grace. Come and adore Him.

Christmas Countdown: 13 Days Until Christmas

2011-12-12T19:27:00.000-04:00

Today's post was compiled by John Piper. Here are "12 Reasons for Christmas."

“For this I was born and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth” (John 18:37).
“The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8; cf. Hebrews 2:14–15).
“Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I came not to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17).
“The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10).
“The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
“God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons” (Galatians 4:5).
“For God so loved the world that whoever believes on him shall not perish but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:16).
“God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him” (1 John 4:9).
“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).
“Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against . . . that the thoughts of many may be revealed” (Luke 2:34ff).
“He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed” (Luke 4:18).
“Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarches, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy” (Romans 15:7–8; cf. John 12:27ff).

Christmas Countdown: 14 Days Until Christmas

2011-12-11T15:51:00.001-04:00

Today being the third Sunday of Advent, here's the Scriptures we read this morning:

"The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified." Isaiah 61:1-3

"Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel." Isaiah 12:6

Christmas Countdown: 15 Days Until Christmas

2011-12-10T19:59:00.000-04:00

Here's another Saturday Smile, Christmas Edition!

5) What do you get if Santa goes down the chimney when a fire is lit? Crisp Cringle.

4) What do angry mice send to each other in December? Cross mouse cards.

3) What did the grape say to the peanut butter? 'Tis the season to be jelly!

2) What do you call a bunch of chess players bragging about their games in a hotel lobby? Chess nuts boasting in an open foyer.

1) What did the police officer say when he saw Frosty stealing? Freeze!

Christmas Countdown: 16 Days Until Christmas

2011-12-09T12:28:00.000-04:00

In yesterday's post, when I pointed out 6 practical ways to keep Christ central this Christmas, the last one that I mentioned was making a prayer chain, a tradition our family has. Today I wanted to tell you exactly how to make a prayer chain. Yes, I know it's only 16 days before Christmas, and though it would have probably been easier to start December 1st, we still have over two weeks! Two weeks of counting down to Christmas through prayer! Enjoy!

Begin by cutting 1"-2" wide strips of paper. You can use scrapbook paper, construction paper, or even computer paper. The number of strips you need depends on the number of days until Christmas. For example, if I started today, I would cut 16 strips.
Once you've cut the amount of strips you need, put the dates of the days leading up to Christmas on one side of each strip (i.e. December 8 on the first strip, December 9 on the second strip, etc., etc.)
On the back of each strip write the name of a family or individual you want to pray for on that date.
Staple the two ends of the first strip together.
Loop the two ends of the second strip through the previously stapled first strip and then staple them together.
Continue in this manner until you have all of the strips stapled together and in a chain.
Count down to Christmas with prayer!

Christmas Countdown: 17 Days Until Christmas

2011-12-08T18:48:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I talked about keeping Christ central in our time this Christmas. But after I posted, I realized that I had neglected to answer a very important question that comes up from that: how? How do we keep Christ central at Christmas? Practically, how can we keep Christ central while writing Christmas cards? Or watching Christmas movies? Or singing Christmas carols? How does that work? Well, that's what today's post is: 6 Practical Ways to Keep Christ Central in Christmas.

Despite this busy holiday season, don't neglect devotions! Time in the Word and prayer is absolutely essential to keeping our eyes focused on the meaning of Christmas. The less disciplined we are to reading our Bibles and praying, the easier it will be for our focus to slip from Christ to the world's version of Christmas.
Pray for the people you send Christmas cards to. My mom taught me this one. While she writes out her Christmas cards and puts gospel tracts in them, she prays for each family individually as she wishes them a merry Christmas.
Memorize a part or all of a birth narrative. For my drama class' Christmas recital, I've memorized Luke 2:1-21 to recite. It's been amazing! The more I've been memorizing these verses in Luke, the more I've been meditating on them. I find that I'm rolling them around in my head constantly! I'm meditating on the birth of Christ without even trying. You don't need to memorize 21 verses, but I would encourage you to memorize even just a small portion of a birth narrative. It really keeps your mind focused on the birth of Jesus.
Get involved in Christmas activities at your church. I know, the holiday season is crazy, but getting involved in Christmas activities at your church is incredibly beneficial! Yes, my dad's the pastor of our church, so I am more inclined to be involved in everything, but I love it! Singing praises in our Christmas choir, making Christmas goodie bags for the kids at Kid's Club, preparing to read Scripture on Christmas Eve, baking a breakfast casserole for the Sunday School Christmas Breakfast - there's loads of opportunities!
Watch, read, and sing Christmas movies, books, and songs that exalt Christ. That doesn't mean that you can't watch or read or sing about anything with Santa Claus in it or that doesn't specifically mention Jesus; it simply means that we should try to make an effort for our Christmas media intake to be focused and central on Christ.
Make a prayer chain. This is a family tradition of ours. Starting near the end of November, we cut out strips of colourful scrapbook paper and, on the front, write the dates leading up to Christmas. Then on the back of each strip we write the name of a family or individual. We staple the strips into a chain, and voila! We can count down to Christmas with prayer!

I hope these few practical ways have helped you! I pray you will find many other ways to keep Christ central this Christmas! Happy 17 Days Until Christmas!

Christmas Countdown: 18 Days Until Christmas

2011-12-07T12:37:00.000-04:00

Today was one of those days that makes me sing for joy to be homeschooled! Just a week and a half before every other public and private school in the province gets out ... I am done school (cue Hallelujah Chrous)! Yes, after large amounts of studying, memorizing, working extra and then testing, I'm officially on Christmas Break! Oh, it's good to be homeschooled.

But with all this extra time I have on my hands now comes responsibility. The responsibility to use my time wisely. With three and a half weeks with no school and, soon, no regular activities, I'll have a lot of free time. There's lots of things I could do. Watch Christmas movies, do some Christmas baking, play Christmas carols, wrap presents, read some classic Christmas novels, and a million other things. But in each and every Christmas activity I take part in this holiday break, my goal is to keep Christ central. Through everything. I will slip, of course, because I am human and I do sin, but whether I'm baking or singing, reading or dancing, I never want my attention to waver from Jesus.

This Christmas season, as we have more time on our hands, let's strive to use our time wisely, in a way that would most glorify God and be most central around Christ!

Christmas Countdown: 19 Days Until Christmas

2011-12-06T11:08:00.000-04:00

"And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:76-79

These verses are from Zechariah's prophecy of his son, John the Baptist's, ministry, and then of Jesus' birth and mission. When I was reading this in my devotions just a few weeks ago, verses 78 and 79 really stuck out to me. "Because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." I absolutely love the word picture. Jesus Christ is the sunrise that "shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace."

Have you ever seen a sunrise? It's magnificent! A burst of beauty and glory that begins a new day. Jesus' appearance into the world was a rich manifestation of His beauty and glory that brought a new day in Christianity. His life and death brought light to the lives of dark, filthy sinners who cowered in the shadow of death. His life and death brought peace. His life and death brought life. And why did Jesus come? "Because of the tender mercy of our God." How beautiful is that? Through God's tender mercy, the sunrise came from on high to give salvation to His people and to give peace and life.

As we celebrate the birth of Christ, let's praise God for His tender mercy in sending His Son for our redemption and for His glory.

Christmas Countdown: 20 Days Until Christmas

2011-12-05T17:31:00.000-04:00

With lots of controversy swirling through the Christian circles concerning Santa Claus, I think it's important to keep in mind that, whether we celebrate Santa or not, the plump, jolly man in the red suit is not who we worship at Christmas. This holiday season, let's keep our eyes focused on the manger, and then the cross, for Jesus Christ, the all-powerful, sovereign, unchangeable Son of God is who we worship, not Santa.

"She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."

Matthew 1:21

Christmas Countdown: 21 Days Until Christmas

2011-12-04T16:56:00.000-04:00

From now on, each Sunday I'll be posting the Advent Scriptures our church reads and rejoices in these Sundays leading up to our celebration of Christ's birth. Today was Isaiah 1:1-4, 6, 9. Read and be blessed.

"There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. And his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide disputes by what his ears hear, but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked." Isaiah 11:1-4

"The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them." Isaiah 11:6

"They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea." Isaiah 11:9

Christmas Countdown: 22 Days Until Christmas

2011-12-03T12:05:00.000-04:00

There hasn't been a Saturday Smile in a while, but I love this video! Enjoy these 25 Christmas songs in Johnny and Chachi's Christmas Medley.

Christmas Countdown: 23 Days Until Christmas

2011-12-02T15:58:00.000-04:00

Today's post is by John Piper from the Desiring God blog. It's called "Helping You Sing Hallelujah with True Exuberance." Enjoy!

"The English word “hallelujah” is a transliteration of two Hebrew words, "hallelu" and "jah". The first word, "hallelu", is the second person imperative of “praise.” The second word, "jah," is the short form of "Jahweh" (or "Yahweh").

So when we say, "Hallelujah!" we are exhorting others (people and angels) to join us in praising Yahweh.

What gives a punch to my singing, "Hallelujah," is that Jah (= Yahweh) is not a generic word for God, but the personal name of the God of Israel.

To shout, "Hallelu Jah!" - "Praise Jah" - is like standing in the council of the gods and boldly saying, "Not to you, Molech!" "Not to you, Baal!" "Not to you, Dagon!" "Not to you, Artemis!" "Not to you, Zeus!" But to Jah, and Jah alone, I give praise. And I call you to join me! Praise Jah!

And not only is Jah God's personal name, but it is the one he gave himself to distinguish himself from all the gods. And it is thrilling in meaning.

When Moses asked God what name he should use to identify God in Egypt, God said, "I AM who I AM. Say this to the people of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.'" (Exodus 3:14)

The name Yahweh is built on the words "I AM." So God put his absolute, transcendent, self-sufficient being at the center of his identity. "All the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but Yahweh made the heavens." (Psalm 96:5)

So, the next time you sing "Hallelujah" pause for a split second between "hallelu" and "Jah" and say it like a name. We praise you . . . Jah! You are above all gods . . . Jah! Join me, all you heavenly hosts, and praise . . . Jah! He is! He simply, eternally, absolutely independently, gloriously IS! Hallelu . . . Jah!"

Christmas Countdown: 24 Days Until Christmas

2011-12-01T18:57:00.000-04:00

Merry Christmas! Season's Greetings! Feliz Navidad! It's that time of year again. Trees, carols, tinsel, snow, Christmas movies, turkeys, advent calendars, and, most importantly, a celebration of Christ's birth! It's December 1, and once again Christmas craziness has hit the Garden. So it's time for my annual 24-post series that will count us down to Christmas. It will include everything from Christmas quotes, to Christmas videos, to Christmas songs, to insights on Christmas sermons, to Christmas Scripture passages, to specifically Christmas posts. I couldn't think of any way I'd rather count down to Christmas. So let the fun begin with this Christmas quote!

"Good people all this Christmas time consider well and bear in mind what our good God for us has done in sending His beloved Son." - The Wexford Carol

Where is Your Focus?

2011-11-28T14:05:00.000-04:00

My mom and I are going through Girls Gone Wise in a World Gone Wild by Mary Kassian together. We read a chapter a week and then discuss it. This week we were on Chapter 6 - Focus: What Commands Your Attention. It was a fantastic reminder, especially as the holiday season fast approaches, bringing with it the commercials, the sales, the ads that all scream that the true meaning of Christmas is all about me, me, me and get, get, get. But Mary Kassian graciously points out the simple, yet profound, truth, that our focus must first be on Christ and then on being a giver.

"A Girl-Gone-Wise ... has a kingdom-focus instead of a me-focus. She's far more concerned about what she can give than what can she get." - from Girls Gone Wise in a World Gone Wild Chapter 6

So where is your focus? Is it kingdom-focused or is it me-focused? We all have those selfish moments when our attention shifts from Christ to me, but what is our primary focus? And how do we know? I encourage you to consider these questions from Mary Kassian:

Do you more than anything want to know Christ and make Him known?
Is your life all about enjoying God and making Him famous?
Do you focus on building Christ's kingdom - not on building your own?
Do you busy yourself with your mission and trust the Lord to take care of the rest?
Is your focus on kingdom business?
Are you a giver or a getter?

"Whether you are eight or eighty-eight, you can shift from a predatory me-focus to a productive kingdom-focus. Don't squander your life. Don't waste your time lying in wait. Christ is too important. Time is too precious. The needs are too great. Too much is at stake." - Mary Kassian

Thus It Begins ...

2011-11-25T13:46:00.000-04:00

It was yesterday around noon, that the jolly, fat man, dressed in red velvet and white fur, drove his sleigh down a chilly 34th Street in downtown New York City, thus officially ending the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and beginning the Christmas season.

It was today, beginning in most stores around 4 A.M. or earlier, as the busiest shopping day of the year descended upon us, thus ending Thanksgiving and beginning the holiday season.

Thus it begins ....

The buy-me-this-buy-me-that-gimme-gimme-get me-get me-I-want-more stigma has settled on America and Canada once again for the next month, as Christmas fast approaches. But as the craziness, the busyness, the frazzledness, the pure mayhem threatens to distort our true image of Christmas, I encourage you now, don't set your mind on what is on this earth (Colossians 3:2). Instead, lift your eyes to the humble manger where a sinless Baby lay. Lift your eyes to the cross, where that sinless Baby, who had become a holy, righteous Man, yet still the image of God, died for the sins of His people. Lift your eyes to the empty tomb, where that Man rose from the dead and conquered sin and death. And lift your eyes to the heavens, where Christ Jesus reigns victoriously at the right hand of the Father.

So as the busy holiday season begins, let's remember, my friends, to "set ... our minds on what is above, not on what is on the earth." (Colossians 3:2)

Blessed Redeemer

2011-11-21T16:50:00.000-04:00

Yesterday morning, I was blessed to be able to sing the old hymn, "Blessed Redeemer," by Avis M. B. Christiansen and Harry D. Loes, in the worship service. I pasted the words to the hymn below, for you to read and be edified by. Enjoy!

Up Calv'ry's mountain one dreadful morn
Walked Christ my Savior weary and worn
Facing for sinners death on the cross
That He might save them from endless loss

Blessed Redeemer precious Redeemer
Seems now I see Him on Calvary's tree
Wounded and bleeding for sinners pleading
Blind and unheeding dying for me

Father forgive them thus did He pray
E'en while His life-blood flowed fast away
Praying for sinners while in such woe
No one but Jesus ever loved so

Blessed Redeemer precious Redeemer
Seems now I see Him on Calvary's tree
Wounded and bleeding for sinners pleading
Blind and unheeding dying for me

O how I love Him Savior and Friend
How can my praises ever find end
Thru years unnumbered on heaven's shore
My tongue shall praise Him forevermore

Blessed Redeemer precious Redeemer
Seems now I see Him on Calvary's tree
Wounded and bleeding for sinners pleading
Blind and unheeding dying for me

Overtaken by Blessings

2011-11-16T10:06:00.000-04:00

Yesterday my devotions found me in Deuteronomy 28, the famous "Blessings for Obedience - Curses for Disobedience" chapter. Though this chapter was written for Jewish Christians nearly 3,000 years ago and their specific circumstances, the same principles apply to the 21st century Christians (i.e. if we're obedient to the Lord, He will bless us, if not, we'll be cursed).

"And if you faithfully obey the voice of the LORD your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the LORD your God. Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground and the fruit of your cattle, the increase of your herds and the young of your flock. Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out." (Deuteronomy 28:1-6)

An interesting phrase that I picked up for the first time this time through was "if you faithfully obey the voice of the LORD ... all these blessings shall ... overtake you." Wouldn't it be amazing to be overtaken by blessings? How about the other beautiful promises? Blessing in our city. Blessing in our food. Blessing when we enter our house. Blessing when we leave our house. Blessing in our children. Overtaken by blessings. I pray that we would listen to the voice of the Lord always, that we would be thankful for every blessing we're given, and that, as a result, we'd be overtaken by blessings.

Lest We Forget

2011-11-14T09:54:00.000-04:00

Last Friday, here in Canada, we celebrated Remembrance Day. For the past little while, we've been wearing our poppies, proud of the sacrifice so many valiant soldiers made for our country. Lest we forget, we said.

But yesterday, people not just in Canada but all over the world were also remembering something. Like Remembrance Day (and Veteran's Day for my US friends), this day was set to remember many brave soldiers. But not government soldiers. No, soldiers of the faith. Soldiers who are advancing the kingdom of God in many countries, but who are being beaten, imprisoned, brutally ridiculed, ostracized from society, and killed. But we didn't just remember them briefly, say a quick prayer, and move on. The entire focus of the day was to pray for these people. Yesterday was the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP).

This is what the IDOP website says about this day and its purpose:

"Every year, churches and groups around the world the world take time to remember and pray for Christians who are suffering persecution globally. We, as partners, monitor occurrences of the persecution of Christians and are allarmed at the increase in incident. How much more do our brothers and sisters in Christ need our prayers?

The traditional church calendar marks “All Saints Day” and “All Souls Day” in the month of November. It is a season of remembering saints of the church and the souls of those who departed this world. It is an appropriate time for the modern day church to also pray for persecuted believers world-wide, through the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP). Today around the world over 200 million are suffering for their faith in Jesus Christ. At this very moment, a genocide of Christians in Sudan is taking place; persecution in China is intensifying; the Nigerian army is assisting in the slaughter of Christians; church buildings are bombed in Iraq, leaving more than 70 dead. Believers all around the world face violence, imprisonment and even death. More than ever, Christian believers all around the world who suffer for their faith need our prayer. We ... hope you will join Christians worldwide in praying for persecuted Christians this November."

But something Dad really pressed yesterday was that we must not pray for the persecuted Christians just one day a year. No, he said. Let us not forget, he prayed. We should be praying for our persecuted brothers and sisters every day of the year, not just one.

I pray that this would be a good reminder for those of you who've heard of IDOP and/or the persecuted church, and an eye-opening moment for those of you who haven't. So let's get on those knees and petition our Father for our persecuted brothers and sisters.

Lest we forget ...

Unpacking the True Biblical Definition of Sanctification

2011-11-11T11:25:00.000-04:00

Sanctification. There's another one of those words that Christians litter throughout their prayers and speeches, often without understanding the implications of what they're saying, or misunderstanding the true definition. I know I have. If we unpack this doctrine and boil down the basic questions, we'll be more edified and more equipped to share the gospel.

What is Sanctification?
Sanctification is, quite simply, the process of becoming more holy, or more like Christ. Once you become a Christian, you step onto the winding road of sanctification, in which you're in for a wild ride. You follow this road your entire life, and as you grow in your faith, you're molded more into the likeness of Christ and you become a more mature Christian.

Does the Bible Talk About Sanctification?
The quick answer: 100% yes! Now, for the longer answer: The English Standard Version contains no less than 16 references to sanctification (Exodus 31:13; Leviticus 21:8; 2 Kings 10:20; Isaiah 29:23; Isaiah 66:17; John 17:17; Romans 6:19; Romans 6:22; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Ephesians 5:26; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Hebrews 9:13; Hebrews 13:12; 1 Peter 1:2). A verse that I think sums up this doctrine beautifully is Hebrews 13:12: "So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood." Jesus' blood made it so that we might become more like him, more righteous and more holy. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 also adds to the biblical definition: "Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." Only God can grant us sanctification. We can't become more like Christ on our own. We're helpless without the "God of peace himself." Only he can mold us more into the image of his Son and give us complete sanctification.

When Does Sanctification End?
The simple answer? When we die. Romans 6:22 says, "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life." From this verse we learn that the end of sanctification is eternal life, i.e. heaven, where the true believers go after they die. Sanctification is a life-long process. Unfortunately, in this world of instant coffee, microwave meals, and I-want-what-I-want-and-I-want-it-now attitude, sanctification doesn't seem too cool. That's because it wouldn't to this sinful world. Christ is offensive to them. So if you're becoming more like Christ, you'll definitely be offensive to this world. But thank goodness that the world is not who we're trying to please. Amen?

"For this is the will of God, your sanctification." ~ 1 Thessalonians 4:3

Unpacking the True Biblical Definition of Justification

2011-11-08T13:21:00.000-04:00

Justification. It's one of those "Christianese" words that Christians use all the time without really understanding its true definition. Many half-sorta-kinda-true definitions exist out there, but what about the biblical definition?

The Bible is replete with phrases that refer to Christians being "justified by faith" or "justified by His grace." But, really, what does that mean?

Justification is a legal act of God in which He declares Christ's righteousness to cover our sin and forgives us our trespasses. We're justified before God because of Christ. Wayne Grudem adds to this in "Christian Beliefs: Twenty Basics Every Christian Should Know:"

The sins of those justified are considered forgiven because God considers their sins as belonging to Christ, and Christ already paid the penalty for those sins. But not only does God consider those sins as belonging to Christ, he also considers Christ's righteousness as belonging to us. Christ took the place of guilt that we all deserved so that we could take the place of acceptance we all long for."

That is justification.

But a common, catchy definition that's been taught widely (this was the definition that first introduced me to the doctrine of justification) is "just as if I didn't sin." Unfortunately, there's a problem with that definition. It puts more emphasis on us than Christ. My dad likes to say, "just as if Christ didn't sin, because He didn't." My youth leader refers to justification as Christ "imputing his righteousness on us." It was Christ who justified us by his death. That is why Paul could say to Titus, "Being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life." (Titus 3:7) And that is why Paul could say to the Romans, "[We] are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:24) We are justified, we are forgiven, we are granted grace, only through Jesus' atoning sacrifice. It was a gift. There was nothing we could do to gain justification; it was all on God's part. He chose us. He called us. And He justified us.

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified." ~ Romans 8:28-30

He Has Sent Redemption

2011-11-07T16:25:00.000-04:00

I found this edifying video on Tim Challies' website and really enjoyed it. I hope you will too!

Growing in Grace: November 2011

2011-11-02T13:34:00.000-03:00

Yes, I know that I haven't done a Growing in Grace in two months, but, don't worry, good readers, this installment will not perish! There's too many good articles I've stumbled upon. Now, without further ado, enjoy these and be edified!

10 Reasons Why the New NIV is Bad for Women - Mary Kassian shares some insights on why the new gender-inclusive New International Version Bible is actually bad for women, instead of being a blessing to them.

The Home Advantage - "Is homeschooling becoming a successful alternative to traditional education?"

Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts - I was really blessed by the lyrics to Bernard of Clairvaux's "Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts," shared on Rebecca Stark's blog.

One of God's Purposes in Suffering - "So I guess this is something we ought to keep in mind during those times that it is God’s will for us to suffer. Our suffering is not pointless; it is not meaningless. At least in part, our suffering is mandated by God so we can strengthen and edify our brothers and sisters in Christ so that they, and we, may strive toward Christian maturity."

The 25 Funniest Analogies Written by High School Students - These are just too funny!

Jesus Wants You to Waste Your Life - This article for the Desiring God blog by Jon Bloom was really interesting.

Riding the White Pass & Yukon Railroad Through the Mountains - What a neat collection of photos!

Halloween on Mission

2011-10-31T08:54:00.000-03:00

As today dawns All Hallow's Eve, a very controversial holiday for Christians, I found this post by David Mathis for the DesringGod blog very enlightening. Enjoy!

"What if a crisp October wind blew through “the way we’ve always done things” at Halloween? What if the Spirit stirred in us a new perspective on October 31? What if dads led their households in a fresh approach to Halloween as Christians on mission?

What if spreading a passion for God’s supremacy in all things included Halloween—that amalgamation of wickedness now the second-largest commercial holiday in the West?

Loving Others and Extending Grace

What if we didn’t think of ourselves as “in the world, but not of it,” but rather, as Jesus says in John 17, “not of the world, but sent into it”?

And what if that led us to move beyond our squabbles about whether or not we’re free to celebrate All Hallows’ Eve, and the main issue became whether our enjoyment of Jesus and his victory over Satan and the powers of darkness might incline us to think less about our private enjoyments and more about how we might love others? What if we took Halloween captive—along with “every thought” (2 Corinthians 10:5)—as an opportunity for gospel advance and bringing true joy to the unbelieving?

And what if those of us taking this fresh approach to Halloween recognized that Christians hold a variety of views about Halloween, and we gave grace to those who see the day differently than we do?

Without Naiveté or Retreat

What if we didn’t merely go with the societal flow and unwittingly float with the cultural tide into and out of yet another Halloween? What if we didn’t observe the day with the same naïveté as our unbelieving neighbors and coworkers?

And what if we didn’t overreact to such nonchalance by simply withdrawing? What if Halloween wasn’t a night when Christians retreated in disapproval, but an occasion for storming the gates of hell?

The Gospel Trick

What if we ran Halloween through the grid of the gospel and pondered whether there might be a third path beyond naïveté and retreat? What if we took the perspective that all of life, Halloween included, is an opportunity for gospel advance? What if we saw Halloween not as a retreat but as a kind of gospel trick—an occasion to extend Christ’s cause on precisely the night when Satan may feel his strongest?

What if we took to the offensive on Halloween? Isn’t this how our God loves to show himself mighty? Just when the devil has a good head of steam, God, like a skilled ninja, uses the adversary’s body weight against him. It’s Satan’s own inertia that drives the stake into his heart. Just like the cross. It’s a kind of divine “trick”: Precisely when the demonic community thinks for sure they have Jesus cornered, he delivers the deathblow. Wasn’t it a Halloween-like gathering of darkness and demonic festival at Golgotha, the place of the Skull, when the God-man “disarmed the powers and authorities [and] made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them” at the cross (Colossians 2:15)?

Marching on Hell

What if we were reminded that Jesus, our invincible hero, will soon crush Satan under our feet (Romans 16:20)? What if we really believed deep down that our Jesus has promised with absolute certainty, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). What if we realized that the gates-of-hell thing isn’t a picture of a defensive church straining to hold back the progressing Satanic legions, but rather an offensive church, on the move, advancing against the cowering, cornered kingdom of darkness? What if the church is the side building the siegeworks? What if the church is marching forward, and Jesus is leading his church on an aggressive campaign against the stationary and soon-to-collapse gates of hell? What if we didn’t let Halloween convince us for a minute that it’s otherwise?

What if Ephesians 6:12 reminded us that “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic power over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places”? What if we remembered that it’s not our increasingly post-Christian society’s Halloween revelers who are our enemies, but that our real adversary is the one who has blinded them, and that we spite Satan as we rescue unbelievers with the word of the cross?

Resisting the Devil

What posture would Jesus have us take when we are told that our “adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8)? Naïveté? Retreat? Rather: “Resist him, firm in your faith” (verse 9). What if we had the gospel gall to trust Jesus for this promise: “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)? And what if resistance meant not only holding our ground, but taking his?

What if we hallowed Jesus at Halloween by pursuing gospel advance and going lovingly on the attack? What if, like Martin Luther, we didn’t cower in fear, but saw October 31 as a chance to serve notice to the threshold of evil? What if we didn’t turn out our lights as if hiding, but went pumpkin-smashing on the very doorstep of the King of Darkness himself?

Orienting on Others

What if we saw October 31 not merely as an occasion for asking self-oriented questions about our participation (whether we should or shouldn’t dress the kids up or carve pumpkins), but for pursuing others-oriented acts of love? What if we capitalized on the opportunity to take a step forward in an ongoing process of witnessing to our neighbors, co-workers, and extended families about who Jesus is and what he accomplished at Calvary for the wicked like us?

What if we resolved not to join the darkness by keeping our porch lights off? What if we didn’t deadbolt our doors, but handed out the best treats in the neighborhood as a faint echo of the kind of grace our Father extends to us sinners?

Giving the Good Candy

What if thinking evangelistically about Halloween didn’t mean just dropping tracts into children’s bags, but the good candy—and seeing the evening as an opportunity to cultivate relationships with the unbelieving as part of an ongoing process in which we plainly identify with Jesus, get to know them well, and personally speak the good news of our Savior into their lives?

And what if we made sure to keep reminding ourselves that our supreme treasure isn’t our subjective zeal for the mission, but our Jesus and his objective accomplishment for us?

The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.
– Jesus in Matthew 9:37–38"

Plagues, Power, and One Perturbed Pharaoh - Part 10

2011-10-29T10:58:00.000-03:00

“Yet one plague more I will bring upon Pharaoh and upon Egypt. Afterward he will let you go from here. When he lets you go, he will drive you away completely." (Exodus 11:1 - emphasis mine) Today's the day. It will be finished. The Israelites will be freed. Pharaoh will suffer. God's power will be shown and His name magnified. The Israelites will be given favour in the sight of their Egyptian neighbours. Then they will go. Yet one more plague ...

But what is this last plague, this straw that will break the camel's back? "So Moses said, “Thus says the LORD: ‘About midnight I will go out in the midst of Egypt, and every firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne, even to the firstborn of the slave girl who is behind the handmill, and all the firstborn of the cattle. There shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there has never been, nor ever will be again. But not a dog shall growl against any of the people of Israel, either man or beast, that you may know that the LORD makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel.’" (Exodus 11:4-7)

Death will mark the Israelites' freedom. They shall be emancipated at the cost of the Egyptians' blood. Their liberty march will be to the wail of the Egyptian mourners. All so the glory of God could be shown.

But before this plague actually took place, it was first only threatened, giving Pharaoh one last chance. (Exodus 11:1-8) But when Pharaoh clearly chose, once again, to refuse the Israelites' release (Exodus 11:9-10), action had to be taken. Before that happened, though, the Lord put the Passover in place, in which the Israelites were to mark their doorways with a lamb's blood, so that when the Angel of Death came to kill the Egyptian firstborns, it would pass over the Israelites' houses. This symbolism would later represent Jesus' death, when the perfect Lamb became a sacrifice for us, saving us from sin and death.

"At midnight the LORD struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon, and all the firstborn of the livestock. And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he and all his servants and all the Egyptians. And there was a great cry in Egypt, for there was not a house where someone was not dead. Then he summoned Moses and Aaron by night and said, “Up, go out from among my people, both you and the people of Israel; and go, serve the LORD, as you have said. Take your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and be gone, and bless me also!”" Is it just me, or is it kind of interesting that even though our perturbed Pharoah told Moses and Aaron that they'd never see his face again (Exodus 10:28-29) ... they did? Twice? And the second time, they were specifically summoned to his presence. The HCSB Study Bible simply suggests that Pharaoh "could not keep his resolve." Still ... it's peculiar.

Well when Moses and Aaron arrived at Pharaoh's palace, they found a man more perturbed than usual. "Up!" Pharaoh must have groaned, choking back anger, fear, pain, tears. "Go out from among my people, all of you. Go, serve the Lord. Take your animals. Be gone! And bless me also!" Did anyone else notice that interesting phrase that seems like a tack-on at the end of his rant? "Get out, go, be gone ... but don't forget to bless me!" But why? Was Pharaoh simply scared? Did he want something else? The HCSB offers a bit of insight on this too: "Pharaoh's desire for blessing recalls earlier dealings of Egyptians and others with God's people that show things could have been far different for him." That's exactly it. If Pharaoh's cold hostility had capsized just one plague sooner, his son would still be alive. "If onlys" and "what ifs" probably clouded his brain. But it was too late, Pharaoh. Much too late ...

Well, the Israelites were free. Exodus 12:36 tells us that they were given favour in the sight of their Egyptian neighbours and were given lots of free stuff. And then they grabbed their belongings and left. They were on the move. God's purpose and plan had come about exactly as He had predetermined. The plagues proclaimed His power, and our perturbed Pharaoh finally let the Israelites go, though at a high cost. I'd quote Shakespeare and say with a sigh, "All's well that ends well," but in reality, this story didn't end so well. Blood flowed through the streets of Egypt. The Israelites were free, but because of their sin, they were destined to wander 40 years in the desert before they were given a land of their own. But don't be discouraged, be uplifted! Because if it wasn't for the 10 plagues, God's power, and one perturbed Pharaoh, the gears of the rest of Biblical history wouldn't be set in motion. And if they weren't set in motion, then our perfect sacrificial Lamb, Jesus Christ, would never have died for the sins of His people. So praise God that the Israelites are free, and, because of Christ, we are set free from the bondage of sin and death!

"The LORD sets the prisoners free; the LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous. The LORD watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin. The LORD will reign forever, your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the LORD!" Psalm 146:7-10

Plagues, Power, and One Perturbed Pharaoh - Part 9

2011-10-28T11:15:00.000-03:00

At the beginning of the plagues, the Egyptians probably jeered and tormented their Israelite neighbours. "Those stupid slaves. Why do you they have to practice their stupid magic on us? Blood and frogs. Ugh." But by Plague #9, their "magic" was stupid no more. They probably quaked in fear any time an Israelite footstep fell nearby. Yes, God's purpose in these plagues was being fulfilled as each blow to the Egyptians landed. The name of the LORD was being proclaimed in Egypt and His power was being shown. So by now, the Egyptians were probably wondering what plague would strike Egypt next. Well, they wouldn't have to wait long ...

"Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, a darkness to be felt.” So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and there was pitch darkness in all the land of Egypt three days." (Exodus 10:21-23)

I find that phrase in Exodus 10:21 interesting. This wasn't just darkness like darkness at night, when the moon still shines or when you can at least still see. No, this was "a darkness to be felt."

But why darkness? The HCSB Study Bible sheds some light on this: "Darkness seems appropriate as an attack on the Egyptian king, since Pharaoh was believed to be the son of Egypt's chief god, the sun-god Re. ... Pharaoh had refused to allow a three-day journey for the Israelites, and now, ironically, Pharaoh's people were surrounded by darkness and unable to go anywhere for three days, while the Lord's people had light for their activities." That's kind of interesting, isn't it? Darkness was not randomly picked; there's irony at play here.

"They did not see one another, nor did anyone rise from his place for three days, but all the people of Israel had light where they lived." (Exodus 10:23 - emphasis mine) Yep, Egypt was black with their sin and idolatry, but Goshen remained light with the name of the LORD being proclaimed through the brightly-lit streets. "For the Lord hears the needy and does not despise his own people who are prisoners." (Psalm 69:33)

"Then Pharaoh called Moses and said, “Go, serve the LORD; your little ones also may go with you; only let your flocks and your herds remain behind.”" (Exodus 10:24) Here we find Pharaoh trying to make yet another compromise with Moses. "Okay. Just the men was a no-no. How about I let you take the men and your little ones? How about that? No animals, but I think that's a pretty good deal."

"Not. A. Chance," said our fed-up Moses. "We need our flocks so that we can offer sacrifices to the LORD. Do you hear me? Not a hoof will be left behind when we leave this place." (Exodus 10:25-26)

"But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he would not let them go." (Exodus 10:27) Okay. This is getting a little old. Nine times and counting. We're sick of this, Pharaoh. Sick and tired. Well, apparently Pharaoh was too. "Then Pharaoh said to him, “Get away from me; take care never to see my face again, for on the day you see my face you shall die.” Moses said, “As you say! I will not see your face again.”" (Exodus 10:28-29) Ooh. This was harsher than expected. "Bug me again and die," said our fed-up Pharaoh. The tension here had suddenly escalated to about a billion; Pharaoh was this close to killing Moses, and we're on our second last plague. Things are changing all ready. But don't go away yet. We've got one more plague before everything explodes ... and God's power is proclaimed with blood ...

Plagues, Power, and One Perturbed Pharaoh - Part 8

2011-10-26T16:52:00.000-03:00

Today there's something in the wind. I can feel it. In our story, we open with the Lord's orders to Moses. As we observe His words, it's clear to see that His righteous anger is building. He begins by telling Moses to go to Pharaoh. But He quickly adds that He's already hardened his heart. This is just like at the beginning of the the story. Moses already knows that his pleas won't work, but he trusts God and goes anyways. When he gains Pharaoh's audience, Moses' patience is waning. "Thus says the Lord, 'How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? Let my people go that they may serve me. For if you refuse to let my people go, behold, tomorrow I will bring locusts into your country, and they shall cover the face of the land, so that no one can see the land. And they shall eat what is left to you after the hail, and they shall eat every tree of yours that grows in the field, and they shall fill your houses and the houses of all your servants and of all the Egyptians, as neither your fathers nor your grandfathers have seen, from the day they came on earth to this day.’" Then he turned and went out from Pharaoh." (Exodus 10:3-6) Moses wasn't going to sit around and wait for this hard-hearted Pharaoh. He gave his speech, turned around, and walked out. So there.

Next we heard from Pharaoh's servants for the first time. Their interesting (and unusually bold) advice to the king of Egypt went like this. "How long shall this man be a snare to us? Let the men go, that they may serve the LORD their God. Do you not yet understand that Egypt is ruined?" (Exodus 10:7)

So Moses and Aaron were sent for again. Pharaoh clearly took his servants' advice and promptly agreed to let the people of Israel go. Now this agreeing of Pharaoh's was very different from his previous ones, for, this time, the promised plague had not yet been sent. Pharaoh had a one way ticket to freedom. He could have easily bypassed Plague #8 - locusts - by simply letting the Israelites go.

"Go serve your God," said Pharaoh, but then a measure of trepidation suddenly entered his voice. "But which ones are to go?" (Exodus 10:8) I can hear Moses' matter-of-fact answer. "Why, everyone of course! Young, old. Sons, daughters. Flocks, herds. Everybody!" Pharaoh's angry now. This is ridiculous. "The LORD be with you, if ever I let you and your little ones go!" he snapped. "Look, you have some evil purpose in mind. No! Go, the men among you, and serve the LORD, for that is what you are asking.” (Exodus 10:10-11a) Then, "they were driven out from Pharaoh's presence." (Exodus 10:11b) So, needless to say, everybody's pretty keyed up right about now. But what's to happen next?

"So Moses stretched out his staff over the land of Egypt, and the LORD brought an east wind upon the land all that day and all that night. When it was morning, the east wind had brought the locusts. The locusts came up over all the land of Egypt and settled on the whole country of Egypt, such a dense swarm of locusts as had never been before, nor ever will be again. They covered the face of the whole land, so that the land was darkened, and they ate all the plants in the land and all the fruit of the trees that the hail had left. Not a green thing remained, neither tree nor plant of the field, through all the land of Egypt." (Exodus 10:13-15) Ah! I thought something was in the wind! Locusts! And in the east wind. Yes, Pharaoh's "gracious" offer to let the Israelite men go was really not so gracious at all. He was only giving a half-hearted answer, revealing that he really didn't care about the Israelites or their cause; he simply hoped to appease Moses and get him out of his hair.

"Then Pharaoh hastily called Moses and Aaron and said, “I have sinned against the LORD your God, and against you." (Exodus 10:16) I find that verb there so interesting: "hastily." No lolly-gagging for this Pharaoh! He had no time to lose! He called Moses as quickly as possible. "Now therefore," he said, "forgive my sin, please, only this once, and plead with the LORD your God only to remove this death from me.” So he [Moses] went out from Pharaoh and pleaded with the LORD. And the LORD turned the wind into a very strong west wind, which lifted the locusts and drove them into the Red Sea. Not a single locust was left in all the country of Egypt. But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he did not let the people of Israel go." (Exodus 10:17-20)

Well the wind has changed. Literally. Moses called out to the Lord, so He sent a west wind which picked up all the locusts and blew them deep into the Red Sea. "Not a single locust was left in all the country of Egypt," we read. "But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he did not let the people of Israel go." It's the same old story, but we're nearing the end. Two more plagues left and then everything will change dramatically, and life as everyone knows it will never be the same. But what are the last two plagues? And what's to come? Well, you'll just have to wait and see. In the mean time, I encourage you to meditate on this plague, our great God's power, and this perturbed Pharaoh's actions, keeping this Psalm in mind,

"Ascribe power to God, whose majesty is over Israel, and whose power is in the skies." Psalm 68:34

Plagues, Power, and One Perturbed Pharaoh - Part 7

2011-10-25T17:14:00.000-03:00

Today when the Lord gets Moses up, He gives him His longest speech recorded in our story of the 10 Plagues. Basically, the Lord appears to Moses and starts with the typical instructions: Get up and go see Pharaoh. Tell him that the Lord says, "Let My people go that they may worship Me." But now it starts to get interesting. "For this time I will send all my plagues on you yourself, and on your servants and your people, so that you may know that there is none like me in all the earth. For by now I could have put out my hand and struck you and your people with pestilence, and you would have been cut off from the earth. But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth. You are still exalting yourself against my people and will not let them go." (Exodus 9:14-17) In this speech, we see the Lord getting more personal. He zeroes right in on Pharaoh's sin and His purpose for the plagues.

Pharaoh's Sin: Idolatry (of himself!) "You are still exalting yourself against my people and will not let them go." (Exodus 9:17)

God's Purpose: To show His power and proclaim His great name. "But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth." (Exodus 9:16) The Lord said to Pharaoh, "You know, I could have smote you long ago and wiped your entire nation off the planet, but I have a purpose, and that's to show my power." Pharaoh's idolatry attempted to thwart mighty God's plan, but we know that none can stay His hand. (Daniel 4:35)

So we've seen the Lord show His power and glory through blood. Through frogs. Through gnats. Through flies. Through the death of the Egyptian livestock. Through boils. And now ... through hail. Yes, the Lord made His name great through a hail storm.

Now this was no ordinary hail storm. This was "hail and fire flashing continually in the midst of the hail, very heavy hail, such as had never been in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation." (Exodus 9:24) This hail "struck down everything that was in the field in all the land of Egypt, both man and beast. And the hail struck down every plant of the field and broke every tree of the field." (Exodus 9:25) These were no jelly-bean size pieces of hail. These were grapefruit size pieces of hail, not to mention the flashing fire, or lightning, as the HCSB translates it.

I love what happens next. "Then Pharaoh sent and called Moses and Aaron and said to them, 'This time I have sinned; the LORD is in the right, and I and my people are in the wrong.'" (Exodus 9:27) Pharaoh doesn't wait for Moses to come to him; he calls straight for the man himself! Then he utters a beautiful phrase: "The LORD is in the right, and I ... [am] in the wrong." I love that! But I love what he says next too. I can just see Pharaoh's eyes wandering to the window, where the storm crashes and roars outside. "Plead with the LORD," he says, "for there has been enough of God's thunder and hail. I will let you go, and you shall stay no longer." (Exodus 9:28) Pharaoh's finally had enough of "God's thunder." I just have to say, if God's thunder boomed and crashed against me, it wouldn't take too long for me to have enough! God is too powerful to have as an enemy.

Well, the Israelites are finally free to go ... as long as the biggest storm Egypt has ever seen dissipates. "So Moses went out of the city from Pharaoh and stretched out his hands to the LORD, and the thunder and the hail ceased, and the rain no longer poured upon the earth." (Exodus 9:33) It truly amazes me how the Lord can powerfully strike Egypt with plague after plague and then stop them in an instant. With a snap of His mighty fingers, the rain and the hail can completely vanish, yet with another snap, they can start right back up again.

"But when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunder had ceased, he sinned yet again and hardened his heart, he and his servants. So the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not let the people of Israel go, just as the LORD had spoken through Moses." (Exodus 9:34-35) Well what do you know? Pharaoh changed his mind. Imagine that. I just have to say, if I didn't have complete and utter trust in the Lord's sovereign power over Egypt and this indecisive Pharaoh, I'd wonder if the Israelites were ever going to be free. But, thankfully, I do trust the Lord's power; I also know that these plagues have a purpose, and that this one perturbed pharaoh is not in control. And that is really, really awesome.

Plagues, Power, and One Perturbed Pharaoh - Part 6

2011-10-22T17:28:00.000-03:00

Today our story picks up with Moses and Aaron being told to head to the kilns to scavenge some soot. I'm serious! Take a look for yourself:

"And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Take handfuls of soot from the kiln, and let Moses throw them in the air in the sight of Pharaoh. It shall become fine dust over all the land of Egypt, and become boils breaking out in sores on man and beast throughout all the land of Egypt.”" (Exodus 9:8-9)

So today marks Plague #6 ... boils. And we thought blood and frogs were gross! Now the people of Egypt were physically affected by these hideous sores. And to give you an idea of how horrible these sores were, the only other time they're mentioned in Scripture is in Deuteronomy 28, when God lists them as a punishment for disobedience to Him. These are not pleasant things.

The ESV Student Study Bible makes a really good point that I'd like to share with you about this rather grotesque plague: "The boils of the sixth plague are the first plague to affect the Egyptians physically. The plagues continue to grow both in what they show of the Lord's power and in their direct effect on the lives of Pharaoh and his people."

So the Egyptian people are covered in boils. But what happens next? Well, it seems that our old friends, the magicians, saunter back into our story for one last (minor) ha-za.

"And the magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils, for the boils came upon the magicians and upon all the Egyptians." (Exodus 9:11)

What does this mean, though? Well, it means, simply enough, the magicians were too ashamed to stand before Moses. They, like the rest of the Egyptians, were covered in boils. The HCSB Study Bible offers this - "Moses and Aaron stood before Pharaoh, but the magicians could not stand before Moses. This turnabout of wording enhances the status of Moses by putting him in the position of "holding court." The magicians were finished and are not mentioned again in Exodus." Interesting, huh?

The next verse finishes off this plague and truly highlights the Lord's hand in all of this.

"But the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he did not listen to them, as the LORD had spoken to Moses." (Exodus 9:12)

The HCSB Study Bible, that I previously mentioned, points out that this is the first plague that specifically speaks of the Lord hardening Pharaoh's heart. But despite that rather interesting piece of information, this wording is actually not particularly important. What I mean is simply that just because in the other plagues it didn't say specifically that "the Lord hardened" Pharaoh's heart, it doesn't mean that He didn't providentially ordain it! Every plague has been used for His purpose and His glory and has been planned from the beginning. But it does clearly portray the power of this all-knowing, all-powerful God.

So as we near the end of our journey through the 10 Plagues, let's meditate on the Lord's providence and His power.

"Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength! We will sing and praise your power." ~ Psalm 21:13

Plagues, Power, and One Perturbed Pharaoh - Part 5

2011-10-18T20:42:00.000-03:00

We think we've seen it all. Blood, frogs, gnats, and flies. Seriously. What more could there be? Well, as we're about to see ... lots! Today our story picks up with the Lord's next instructions to Moses. "Go to Pharaoh," said the Lord, "and say to him, 'Thus says the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, “Let my people go, that they may serve me. For if you refuse to let them go and still hold them, behold, the hand of the LORD will fall with a very severe plague upon your livestock that are in the field, the horses, the donkeys, the camels, the herds, and the flocks.'" (Exodus 9:1-3) I imagine Moses wasn't too surprised. I'm guessing Pharaoh wasn't either. They probably thought they'd seen it all, at least Pharaoh probably did. Moses perhaps had a different perspective, one of awe and fear, for he knew exactly what the Lord could (and would) do.

The next part of our story refers back to Exodus 8:22-23. "But the LORD will make a distinction between the livestock of Israel and the livestock of Egypt, so that nothing of all that belongs to the people of Israel shall die." (Exodus 9:4) So once again we've got this clear distinction between Goshen and Egypt, the Israelites and the Egyptians, the people who trust in God, and the people who trust in Pharaoh.

One thing about this plague (the death of the Egyptian livestock) is that, though some people tend to look at it callously, as if it's nothing, it is not meaningless at all. Much of the Egyptians' livelihood lay in these animals, their food, their income, their plows. This was a devastating blow to the Egyptians.

Now Pharaoh heard that Goshen wasn't going to be affected by this plague, but Scripture seems to make it look like Pharaoh didn't really believe this. He had to go check it out for himself. "And Pharaoh sent, and behold, not one of the livestock of Israel was dead." (Exodus 9:7) Were the Israelites' animals really not affected by the disease that slayed the Egyptians'? Pharaoh wondered. Nope, they definitely weren't. Their healthy animals thrived, while the Egyptians' withered and died.

Once more, we see that Pharaoh's "heart ... was hardened, and he did not let the people go." Well, we're half way through this series now. We've seen five plagues strike the land of Egypt, one God who's mighty power surpasses all others, and one perturbed Pharaoh. But don't stop reading just yet. We've got lots more to see before the Israelites finally get to pack up their bags and hit the road!

Daddy's Daughter: Insights on My Dad's Sermon

2011-10-17T12:56:00.000-03:00

"You can never be too young, too old, too smart, too dumb, with hair too long, or hair too short, to answer the question, Who is Jesus?" said Dad yesterday morning in his sermon, "Jesus: The Messiah" (Mark 8:27-30). If you've been following my Daddy's Daughter posts as Dad has preached through Mark, you'll know that the purpose of this series is to discover the answer to the question Who is Jesus?

So Who is Jesus? Many answers have arisen over the years. Some have said He's a good teacher. Others have called Him a moral man, Who taught some good life lessons. Still others have claimed He's a mad man, the leader of a cult. Some have even called Him a prophet.

"But Who do you say I am?"(Mark 8:29)

Is Jesus just a good teacher? Just a prophet? Just a moral man? Or is He something more? Is He the Son of God? (Mark 1:1) Is He the Lamb of God? (John 1:29) Is He the Messiah, the Christ? (John 1:41) Is He the Word? (John 1:1) Is He the image of God? (Colossians 1:15) Is He the Light of the World? (John 1:9) Is He sovereign? (1 Timothy 6:15)? Is He Creator (Colossians 1:16), Life-Giver (Mark 5:35-42), Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8), King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 17:14), Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), Immanuel, God with us (Matthew 1:23)?

Who is Jesus?

Plagues, Power, and One Perturbed Pharaoh - Part 4

2011-10-12T13:33:00.000-03:00

Today we find the Lord telling Moses to set his alarm clock, 'cause he's got a breakfast date with Pharaoh. Well, to be exact, the Lord tells him to "rise up early in the morning and present yourself to Pharaoh, as he goes out to the water." I just have to say - I feel bad for Moses. I mean, I hate getting up early at the best of times! Poor Moses had to get up early to catch Pharaoh "as he goes out to the water," i.e. catch him on the way to the showers. But Moses did it. He went down to the waters, met Pharaoh and gave him the "let My people go ... or else" speech and then warned him that if he didn't let the Israelites go there would be ... not blood ... not frogs ... not gnats ... but flies! (Exodus 8:20-21) Swarms of flies, that is. Millions of flies. But there's a twist to this familiar exchange.

Suddenly, Goshen, where the Israelites live, will not be affected by the plagues! (Exodus 8:22-23) We see the Lord making a distinction between His people and the Egyptians. From now on, His people will be protected from the plagues. I think the Israelites must have been thinking something along the same lines as the Psalmist thought later on: "For the Lord hears the needy and does not despise his own people who are prisoners." (Psalm 69:33) The Lord does not forget His people; He does not close His ears to their cries. And this is just one example of His steadfast love and faithfulness.

Now, back to the story. Scripture doesn't record Pharaoh's answer to Moses and Aaron's plea, but we don't need to guess. Exodus 8:24 tells us, "And the LORD did so. There came great swarms of flies into the house of Pharaoh and into his servants' houses. Throughout all the land of Egypt the land was ruined by the swarms of flies."

Pharaoh had refused Moses and Aaron, so the Lord fulfilled His promise. Flies swarmed the land of Egypt, buzzing incessantly, "ruining the land," says the ESV. I can just imagine the chaos breaking out among the Egyptians. The anger, the panic, the frustration, the sorrow.

Well, the next part of our story turns to Pharaoh. This passage marks another change in this story that will carry through for the rest of the plagues. Pharaoh does not call his magicians. After they couldn't produce the gnats, who knows what Pharaoh did to them! But we never hear from them again. Interesting, huh? So now that he has no magicians, what's Pharaoh going to do?

"Then Pharaoh called Moses and Aaron and said, “Go, sacrifice to your God within the land.” But Moses said, “It would not be right to do so, for the offerings we shall sacrifice to the LORD our God are an abomination to the Egyptians. If we sacrifice offerings abominable to the Egyptians before their eyes, will they not stone us? We must go three days' journey into the wilderness and sacrifice to the LORD our God as he tells us.”" Exodus 8:25-27

So, to make a long story slightly shorter, Pharaoh said, "Okay, you can go, as long as you'll ask the Lord to take away the flies." Moses said, "Okay. I'll pray that the swarms of flies may be taken out of Egypt, as long as you promise not to cheat me again and refuse to let the Israelites go." So Moses went and prayed and the Lord got rid of the flies.

Now, unlike when He killed all the frogs, when the Lord removed the flies, "not one remained." (Exodus 8:31) This insinuates that the Lord made all the flies either a) disappear or b) fly away/disperse. To be honest, I think the second idea is more plausible, though, of course, we can't know for sure.

So what does Pharaoh do now? The flies are gone, so "[he] hardened his heart this time also, and did not let the people go." Surprise, surprise. Well, that's Pharaoh for you. A lying, deceptive cheat. But Moses doesn't even flinch. For he knows that Yahweh is greater than Pharaoh, and He is using all these circumstances to bring about His sovereign purposes for His glory, not Pharaoh's. Moses knew that He was and is Lord of the Flies ...

Thanksgiving: A Day to Give Thanks to the One Who Deserves It

2011-10-10T11:09:00.001-03:00

Happy Thanksgiving, my fellow Canadians! I hope you've been enjoying this special weekend where we get to consume large amounts of turkey and give thanks and enjoy our many blessings. I know I have. Before our family heads over to some friends' house for Thanksgiving dinner, I want to share with you some of the things that I'm thankful for. Yesterday, in Sunday School, before he began the lesson, my dad invited us to say things we were thankful for, and reminded us not to pop off a quick "I'm thankful for my family," "I'm thankful for my dog," etc., etc. but to remember Who we're giving thanks to, and why we give Him thanks. So I encourage you today, as we celebrate Thanksgiving, remember what this holiday should truly be about: giving thanks to the One Who deserves it.

I am thankful for the Lord giving me ....

the Word of God, and how it is alive and sharper than a two-edged sword, how it guides and corrects, and how it reveals and blesses
a reminder that He never gives up on me
His everlasting love
a cat that blesses us with recreation and enjoyment
the opportunity to gather with God's people three times a week to worship freely, without being restricted by family, disabilities, or government
the blessing of giving my Friday nights to serve at Kid's Club and to see the kids I've grown to love hear the gospel for, most of them, the first time, and to see them so excited about learning about the Word of God
the blessing of being able to read God-honouring literature without worrying about laws preventing me from reading it
my mother, who chooses not to work so that she can educate Travis and me in a godly setting, and who takes so much time to teach me how to be a godly young woman
my brother, who teaches me new things about God every day, who reminds me of the virtue of patience, and who demonstrates God's grace to me
my dad, who leads our family humbly, with the sole desire to see us grow closer to each other and closer to God, who leads a congregation, but never neglects his family, who teaches me every day what it means to serve the Lord
my church family, who in these past two and a half years, I've come to love, who've taught me the Word of God faithfully, who've supported me always, who've been faithful to pray for me, who've demonstrated God's love to me
my friends, all over this continent, who've blessed me with edification and encouragement, who've laughed with me, cried with me, and been a support to me through the good times and the bad, who've reminded me of God's compassion, who've loved me
my grandparents, who've taught me new things, who've loved me unconditionally, and who've always been there for me
His Son, Who died on a wooden cross, Who's blood covered my debts, Who made me a new creation
His forgiveness
and salvation, so that I can magnify Him and thank Him always, for He is good, He is faithful, and He is loving

So what are you thankful for?

Your Saturday Smile

2011-10-08T10:03:00.000-03:00

Once upon a time there was an overworked lawyer named Phil. Phil lived in New York and worked for a very prestigious law firm. But lately his work load had been crushing. He had so much to do and so little time to do it! He needed a break. Well, it wasn't long after the idea of a vacation first occurred to him that he got a letter from an old college friend, a native Czechoslovakian who had recently moved permanently to America.

"Dear Phil," the letter read, "Haven't seen you in forever, buddy. How are you doing? I just bought a beautiful little lodge up on a lake in Michigan, and I hope you'll stop by some time. Write back soon. Your friend, Harvey."

Phil was elated! He promptly wrote Harvey back, graciously accepting his invitation. A week later, Phil arrived in the little town of Cutlet Creek, where he was picked up by Harvey in his battered pick-up and taken to Loon Lodge, a beautiful, though slightly decrepit, cabin up in the timbers overlooking Loon Lake. The first few days of vacation were wonderful for Phil. Long, relaxing days. Lazy afternoon swims. Warm beds. Cozy campfires. Fresh air. Phil enjoyed every minute of it. Until one crisp night, that is.

Phil and Harvey sat around a crackling campfire. Phil was set to leave in a few more days and was enjoying his last campfires. He and Harvey had spent an amazing week in genial companionship. They had certainly rekindled their past friendship. But on this cool evening, everything changed.

The men were roasting marshmallows over the glowing fire, when, suddenly, two, ginormous grizzly bears, a male and female, stepped out of the surrounding woods and appeared in the clearing. Harvey and Phil started, shocked at the appearance. Harvey began to whisper, "We've never had bears out here," but before he could get it out, the male grizzly bear rushed over and gobbled him up. Phil was stunned. His friend! His cronie! He must do something.

He ran for Harvey's truck and drove into Cutlet Creek as fast as he could. He jerked to a stop in front of the Sheriff's Office and raced in. "Sheriff! Sheriff!" he cried frantically. "Harvey's been attacked and eaten by a bear!" Sheriff Oakley, who liked Harvey, hurriedly jumped in the truck with Phil and went back to Loon Lodge.

Well, when they arrived, just their luck, the bears were still there! Phil practically dragged Sheriff Oakley towards the campfire. "He's in that one!" Phil cried, pointing at the tall, male bear. "He's in that one!" Sheriff Oakley looked from Phil to the bears. Then he began to chuckle a deep, hearty chuckle. Phil stared at him, flabbergasted. When he stopped laughing, the Sheriff wiped the tears from his eyes and said lazily,

"As if I would ever believe a lawyer who said the Czech is in the male."

Plagues, Power, and One Perturbed Pharaoh - Part 3

2011-10-05T13:06:00.000-03:00

Today our story takes an exciting twist. For the past two plagues, we've watched anxiously as blood has rushed down the river banks and frogs have infested every speck of space in Egypt. But our Israelites have still remained firmly in bondage. I can just see Moses scratching his head. What's a guy to do? Well, to put it simply enough, wait. And wait Moses did. Until his Master's call, that is.

This is where things begin to get interesting. Unlike the last two times, Moses does not approach Pharaoh, make a plea for the Hebrews' freedom, and threaten a plague. Pharaoh had his chance; now it's the Lord's turn.

"Then the LORD said to Moses, “Say to Aaron, ‘Stretch out your staff and strike the dust of the earth, so that it may become gnats in all the land of Egypt.’” And they did so. Aaron stretched out his hand with his staff and struck the dust of the earth, and there were gnats on man and beast. All the dust of the earth became gnats in all the land of Egypt." Exodus 8:16-17

Okay then. We've seen blood. We've seen frogs. But were any of us really prepared for ... gnats?! Now, over the many times I've read this, I suppose I've never really thought about what gnats are. The Holman Christian Standard Study Bible sheds a bit more light on this. "Researchers have debated about exactly what kind of troublesome insects these were: gnats, fleas, mosquitoes, or ticks." So, in other words, we don't really know! But the bottom line is that they were troublesome. Whether they were mosquitoes or ticks, actual gnats or fleas, they were not harmless, painless, troubleless bugs. They were down-right annoying.

Now while Moses and Aaron are stretching out staffs and bringing up gnats as thick as the dust on the ground (and remember, Egypt was a hot, dry land, so it had a lot of dust), Pharaoh storms around his palace, angrily swatting at bugs. "Stupid Moses. Stupid Israelites. Stupid bugs," I can just hear him muttering. Suddenly, he remembers his tradition. Moses and Aaron did their plague, so it was time for Pharaoh to summon his magicians to do the same thing. But Pharaoh's in for a bit of a surprise when he sees what will happen.

"The magicians tried by their secret arts to produce gnats, but they could not. So there were gnats on man and beast." Exodus 8:18

Whooee! Those counterfeiting magicians couldn't copy this plague! No, siree. Oh, they tried all right. But they failed. Boy, did they fail. The Bible doesn't record Pharaoh's response to his magicians' sudden lack of power, but, interestingly enough, it does record the magicians'. They realize they can't produce gnats, so something must be the matter. Then it hits them. Like a boulder catapulted from miles away, it suddenly smashes into their heads, and they understand.

"Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.”" Exodus 8:19

You think? Gee whiz, it sure took them a while! But they finally realized it. Moses and Aaron weren't doing this by their secret arts, by their weak, human power; they were doing it only by the power of Yahweh, the Great I AM.

But the big question is: did Pharaoh get it? Could this be done the easy way, or would Pharaoh insist on continuing the hard way?

"But Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, as the LORD had said." Exodus 8:19

I should have known. The Lord had already said that Pharaoh's heart would be hardened, so I shouldn't be surprised that Pharaoh's heart was indeed hardened. I wonder what Moses and Aaron's reaction to Pharaoh's responses were. Were they surprised? Frustrated? Prepared? Doubtful? Completely understanding? But God's Word doesn't record their response, simply their actions. And all their actions in this scenario demonstrate complete obedience.

So, as the blood red sun dips below the horizon, we sigh. It's been another long day in Egypt. Gnats have infested the countryside. Pharaoh's magicians have tried and failed. They've confessed the true power behind the plagues. Pharaoh's heart has been hardened and his ears stopped to his magicians' confession. Gnats still buzz annoyingly, and we wonder if they're ever going to go away. Yep. Just another day Egypt ... until tomorrow, that is ...

Daddy's Daughter: Insights on My Dad's Sermon

2011-10-03T11:54:00.000-03:00

Yesterday my dad preached on Mark 8:11-21, in "Jesus: The Patient One." The two main things that played out in the text are that:

The Pharisees Didn't Get a Sign, and
The Disciples Didn't Get Two Signs

Let me explain. In the first half of the text (Mark 8:11-13) the Pharisees approach Jesus. As we've learned through past texts, these pious religious leaders weren't coming to encourage Jesus or invite Him over for a friendly cup of coffee. They came with one purpose in mind - to argue. But what did they want to argue about? A sign. They wanted Jesus to give them a sign. But not just any sign. They didn't want to see Him heal a lame man ... because they'd already seen that. They didn't want to see Him cast out a demon ... for they'd seen Him do that too. They didn't want to see a leper healed of leprosy or sight restored to a blind man because they'd seen it all before. They wanted something big and flashy ... to suit their desires and whims and wishes. So did Jesus comply? "And [Jesus] sighed deeply in his spirit and said, 'Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.'" So even though those nasty Pharisees wanted a sign, they didn't get one.

But in the second half of the text (Mark 8:14-21), our focus turns from the Pharisees to the disciples. The disciples and Jesus have just gotten in a boat, and it's nearing lunch time. But, what do you know, our crazy disciples have forgotten to bring food! Well, Jesus, ever the Wise Teacher, uses this as a teachable moment. He begins to warn them about the Pharisees and about wicked King Herod Antipas, feeding them spiritual food. But the disciples want physical food. Their growling stomachs seem to drown out Jesus' spiritual insights. Mark tells us Jesus was aware of this. So He turns to them and asks them, "Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up? ... And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up? ... Do you not yet understand?”" (Mark 8:17:21) You see the disciples didn't get two signs. They didn't understand their significance.

But thank goodness that Jesus is the Patient One! He was patient with the disciples, and He's patient with us. Let's strive to model after Christ's pure and perfect example of patience.

Your Saturday Smile

2011-10-01T15:11:00.000-03:00

So last week I told you the joke about Joe; today you get to learn about Frank!

****

Frank had just moved to Canada. Like Joe, he was from a non-English speaking country, and, after feeling like a bird in a cage in his home country, Frank wanted to see the world! So he moved to Canada. Frank was a little bit more educated than Joe when it came to Canada; he knew four very important words of the English language: Okay and I don't know. Also, Frank was a little more imaginative. A few days after he had moved to Canada, he had to get a job. But he didn't go wandering down Main Street, hoping someone would hire him. He decided to start a business, based on his occupation at home - he would sell tomatoes!

So he started up a tomato stand. After a little while, a customer approached him. "What do you have for me to buy?" he asked. Frank smiled and said politely as he could,
"I don't know." The customer frowned and shook his head firmly.
"No, no, no," he said. "You're supposed to say 'tomatoes.'" Frank nodded and said good-naturedly,
"Okay. Tomatoes!"

A little while later another customer approached Frank. "What do you have for me to buy?" he asked. Frank grinned.
"Tomatoes."
"How much are they?"
"I don't know." The customer shook his head.
"No, no, no. You're supposed to say '25 cents.'"
"Okay," replied Frank. "25 cents!"

Now, a third customer approached Frank. "What do you have for me to buy?" he asked.
"Tomatoes."
"How much are they?"
"25 cents."
"Are they fresh?" Frank frowned.
"I don't know." The customer sighed.
"No, no, no. You're supposed to say 'fresh, fresh, very fresh.'" This sounded good to Frank, so he smiled and said,
"Okay. Fresh, fresh, very fresh!"

Yet a fourth customer arrived at Frank's tomato stand a little while later. "What do you have for me to buy?" she asked. Frank smiled,
"Tomatoes."
"How much are they?"
"25 cents."
"Are they fresh?"
"Fresh, fresh, very fresh!"
"Should I buy them?"
"I don't know." The customer shook her head vigorously.
"No, no, no," she said. "You're supposed to say 'if you don't, somebody else will!'"
"Okay," said Frank. "If you don't somebody else will!"

Now not five minutes after the fourth customer had left, a masked man appeared. "I'm a robber!" he shouted. "What do you have for me to steal?" Frank smiled patiently.
"Tomatoes." The robber saw Frank's cash box.
"How much is in there?" he demanded.
"25 cents," Frank replied. The robber was getting mad.
"Are you being fresh with me, buddy?" Frank grinned.
"Fresh, fresh, very fresh!" The robber suddenly pulled out a gun.
"That is it, boy. I've had enough! I'm going to shoot you." With that same calm smile, Frank said,
"If you don't, somebody else will!"

Plagues, Power, and One Perturbed Pharaoh - Part 2

2011-09-28T14:15:00.000-03:00

A week has passed since Egypt's water was turned to blood. An eerie calm blankets the country. The Egyptians sit nervously, twiddling their thumbs. Was the blood just a quick and strange phenomenon sent by the gods? perhaps they wondered. What's going on? Meanwhile, Pharaoh calmly waits in his palace. Sure, the blood put him out a bit, but he doesn't have anything to worry about, right? Then it happens. A servant quietly enters Pharaoh's chambers.

"My lord, Pharaoh," he might have said, "you have visitors."

Enter Moses and Aaron. Oh yes, our guys haven't left the picture yet. They're back, and, as we'll soon see, with a vengeance. I can just see Pharaoh roll his eyes as they enter. What do they want now? probably slipped through his mind. If only he knew.

Moses comes in and makes his plea again. "The LORD says, 'Let My people go that they may serve me.' If you don't, another plague will be put upon Egypt." Pharaoh yawns. "Yeah, yeah, I've heard all this before. And the answer's still no." Moses shakes his head. "Alright. We warned you." Then Aaron stretches out his staff over the waters of Egypt, and suddenly a slimy green head pokes out of the water jug. Pharaoh starts a bit. A frog? In his palace? Oh, no Pharaoh. Not a frog. Millions of frogs. And not just in your palace. All over Egypt ...

Yes, frog infestation was indeed Plague #2. Picture this with me: frogs in your bed, frogs in your food, frogs on your furniture, frogs crawling on you, frogs in your clothes, frogs hopping all over your house. Bottom line - frogs everywhere! Not a pretty picture.

Pharaoh is troubled about this now. Is this still some secret art? he probably wondered. Let's get my magicians and see if they can do it. That way I'll know whether Moses and Aaron's power is real or not.

"But the magicians did the same by their secret arts and made frogs come up on the land of Egypt." Exodus 8:7

Here we go again. Those nasty magicians did the same thing! But not by the Lord's power, the power which enabled Moses and Aaron. The magicians used "their secret arts," the ESV tells us. The HCSB says they used, "their occult practices." Eugene Peterson translated it, "their incantations" (The Message). The magicians weren't demonstrating real, pure, true power. Satan was working through them to make a copy of God's miracle, not their own miracle. They were simply counterfeiting God's power.

So Pharaoh calls in our guys. He's sick of and a little worried about those frogs, so he tells Moses and Aaron, "Plead with the LORD to take away the frogs from me and from my people, and I will let the people go to sacrifice to the LORD." (Exodus 8:8) Finally! It only took three begs and two plagues! So Moses cries out to the Lord and suddenly every frog disappears! They wished. Actually, every frog died. Big difference. Exodus tells us, "The frogs died out in the houses, the courtyards, and the fields. And they gathered them together in heaps, and the land stank." (Exodus 8:13-14) Could you imagine? As if the live frogs weren't bad enough, now we have towering piles of stinky dead frogs! Well, at least the infestation is over.

Back to Pharaoh. So does he smile over his frogless land and say, "Send the Israelites out," just like he promised? Let's see.

"But when Pharaoh saw that there was a respite, he hardened his heart and would not listen to them, as the LORD had said." (Exodus 8:15)

Aw, gee! Just when we thought we were home-free, Pharaoh has to go hardening up his heart like that. Well, at least there's hope. I have to admit, I derive immense comfort from the last part of that verse - "as the LORD had said." Even when things in Egypt seemed to be spinning horribly out-of-control, the Lord already knew exactly what was going to happen. He wasn't sitting up in Heaven biting His fingernails anxiously, wondering nervously whether Pharaoh was going to let His people go or not and heaving a frustrated sigh when the Israelites remained in bondage. My God is totally omniscient; He knows everything. He knew exactly what was going to happen in Egypt 4,000 years ago, and He knows what's going to happen to each and every one of us, today, tomorrow, and for the rest of our lives. When He decrees something is going to happen, it will happen. It may take a plague ... or two ... or ten, but it'll happen.

"God is not a man who lies, or a son of man who changes His mind. Does He speak and not act, or promise and not fulfill?" Numbers 23:19

Daddy's Daughter: Insights on My Dad's Sermon

2011-09-26T11:39:00.000-03:00

Why do you go to church? Dad opened yesterday's sermon with. It may be because you've always gone to church. Maybe it's because your parents go to church. Or maybe it's because you just feel guilty. But in the text, Psalm 29, we discovered that all those reasons are wrong. There's only one pure, Biblical reason for going to church, and it's to worship Christ. But what do we mean by worship?

Dad's sermon-in-a-sentence was: Worship is not an option; it's defined by God, it's directed by God, and it's demanded by God.

Worship defined. True worship, as found in Psalm 29:1-2, is giving glory to God. This is often misunderstood. Our giving glory to God is not an act of us giving God something that He needs. Nor is it us giving God something we have that He doesn't. Our giving glory to God is entirely because He deserves it. We give glory to God (i.e. worship Him) because He is worthy to be worshipped.
Worship directed. What this means is that true, Biblical worship is directed by God (Psalm 29:3-8). He is the motivation and the means by which our worship comes, and He is, of course, the object of our worship.
Worship demanded. As we learn in Psalm 29:9-11, God demands our worship. There is no way to get around it. We will either bow the knee now, or we will bow the knee the moment after we die. God will be worshipped. He will be worshipped through His mercy in granting some salvation, and He will be worshipped through His judgement on those who rejected Him.

So why do you go to church?

Your Saturday Smile

2011-09-24T14:47:00.000-03:00

Happy 2nd Day of Autumn, readers! As I listen to the rain patter outside my window and watch the red and gold leaves drift from the trees, I know here in Nova Scotia, fall has officially arrived! So brighten up this fall day with your Saturday smile!

There was once a young man named Joe who immigrated to Canada from a non-English-speaking country. Joe was in his twenties and had left his home because he wanted to see more of the world. But Joe had two things against him - he couldn't understand a word of the Canadian's language, and he somehow needed to get a job.

Well, ever the optimist, Joe headed out of his tiny apartment the day after he moved to Canada, intent on finding a job somewhere. So he walked down his street and turned left onto Main Street. He strolled down Main Street, listening for any English phrases he could perhaps pick up.

As Joe walked along, he passed the town's theatre. He suddenly heard a lovely singer warming up her voice. "Mi mi mi mi!" He took notice but didn't bother stopping, knowing he had to find a job. Next, he passed the town's annual pie eating contest. Ten contestants were lined up at a picnic bench and were chanting, "Forks and knives! Forks and knives!" Joe gave them an odd look and continued on his quest. He next passed The Sweet Shoppe, the town's candy store, where he heard a small child giggling happily, "Goody-goody gumdrops! Goody-goody gumdrops!" Joe smiled to himself and continued down Main Street. As he was nearing the end of the street, he passed one of the last shops, an electronic store but stopped when he saw flashing lights in the display window. What to his wondering eyes did appear but a little man inside a little box proudly showing off something he called a vacuum. As the commercial ended, Joe caught the last phrase loud and clear. "Plug it in!" sang the man. "Plug it in!"

Disappointed that there were no "Help Wanted" signs hanging in any window, Joe decided to head home. But as he cut across a side street, he was halted by two uniformed men. "Stop! We're the police!" they proclaimed. Joe didn't understand them, but they looked official, so Joe stopped.

"Look, young man," said one officer firmly, "there's been a murder here and we're wondering if you know by any chance who did it." Joe was overjoyed! He didn't understand a word the official looking man said, but he did know that he had a chance to try out his new English. Joe cleared his throat and in his best soprano purred out, "Mi mi mi mi!" The officer looked aghast.

"With what weapons, sir?" Joe grinned and began chanting loudly.

"Forks and knives! Forks and knives!" Stunned, the officer managed to say,

"That's it, we're going to have to take you down to the police station, sir." Joe just laughed.

"Goody-goody gumdrops! Goody-goody gumdrops!" The officer gulped and turned to his assistant.

"Looks like we're going to have to get the electric chair out for this one," he murmured. Joe just gave a toothy grin and began singing,

"Plug it in! Plug it in!"

Plagues, Power, and One Perturbed Pharaoh - Part 1

2011-09-23T16:41:00.000-03:00

This morning in my devotions I was in Exodus 8. For the past few days, I've been reading the familiar story of how the Lord freed the Israelites when they were enslaved to the Egyptians. Today I got to the plagues. Even when I think about them, I shiver a little. Flowing blood, slimy frogs, gnats thick as the dust, endless darkness, and death. After I had read them, I thought what a great idea it would be to do a blog series on them and look at them a little more in depth. Today I want to cover a bit of the background and the first plague, blood.

Let's start at the beginning. Before the Lord told Moses to approach Pharaoh for the first time, He gave him a bit of a warning. He explained,

"You shall speak all that I command you, and your brother Aaron shall tell Pharaoh to let the people of Israel go out of his land. But I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and though I multiply my signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, Pharaoh will not listen to you. Then I will lay my hand on Egypt and bring my hosts, my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great acts of judgment. The Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring out the people of Israel from among them." Exodus 7:2-5

Okay. I just have to say - kudos to Moses and Aaron! I mean, how willing would I be to approach Pharaoh if I knew no matter what I said, no matter what signs the Lord performed through me, and what happened, Pharaoh wouldn't listen to me? I don't know, but I just hope I would be as faithful as Moses and Aaron were.

So what did our guys do next? (Side Note: In between their warning from the Lord and their command to turn the water into blood, Moses met Pharaoh and had a little confrontation with his magicians. You can read about it here). Well, simply enough, they waited to find out their next move. In this story, they're the tools, not the Designer. Sure enough, it isn't long before the Designer returns with some instructions:

"Then the Lord said to Moses, “Pharaoh's heart is hardened; he refuses to let the people go. Go to Pharaoh in the morning, as he is going out to the water. Stand on the bank of the Nile to meet him, and take in your hand the staff that turned into a serpent. And you shall say to him, ‘The Lord, the God of the Hebrews, sent me to you, saying, “Thus says the Lord, “By this you shall know that I am the Lord: behold ... I will strike the water that is in the Nile, and it shall turn into blood ...”’” And the Lord said to Moses, “Say to Aaron, ‘Take your staff and stretch out your hand over the waters of Egypt, over their rivers, their canals, and their ponds, and all their pools of water, so that they may become blood, and there shall be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, even in vessels of wood and in vessels of stone.’” Moses and Aaron did as the Lord had commanded." Exodus 7:14-20

Enter plague one - blood. I have one word when it comes to describing this plague - ewww! Imagine with me: the stench of blood hangs over everything, as the dark red liquid flows. It flows in the water pots, it flows in the baths, it flows in the jars, and it flows in the Nile River. Dripping blood is everywhere, in everything. Wherever there was a drop of water, there's now a drop of blood. My stomach flip-flops just thinking about this.

Do you remember what happened next? Pharaoh wanted to see whether this was a real trick or not. So he called the magicians. By his standards, if his magicians could do it, anybody could do it. So he tested them. Could they turn water into blood too?

"But the magicians of Egypt did the same by their secret arts. So Pharaoh's heart remained hardened, and he would not listen to them, as the Lord had said." Exodus 7:22

Aw, rats. The magicians passed. So Pharaoh refused to let the Israelites go. When Moses and Aaron heard that "Pharaoh turned and went into his house, and he did not take even this to heart," (Exodus 7:23) they knew that more action had to be taken. But before stepping up to the plate alone, they waited patiently for their Designer's next instructions. And when we pick up part two of Plagues, Power, and One Perturbed Pharaoh, we'll see that what the Lord had in mind next was just as crazy, just as powerful and just as glorious as turning water into blood!

Peace on Earth? I Don't Think So ...

2011-09-21T13:10:00.000-03:00

This morning, as I was ripping off yesterday's word on my Word-a-Day Calendar, I noticed four words at the bottom of the today's sheet. Under the big number 21, it read International Day of Peace. That reminded me of just a few days ago, when I found myself in Matthew 10 in my devotions. Matthew 10:34-38 seems really applicable to this day, as the world seeks to glorify temporary, earthly peace among humans, when Jesus teaches us something much different:

"[Jesus said] 'Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person's enemies will be those of his own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.' "

When I read this, I almost dropped my Bible! Whoa was all I could think. Did Jesus just say that He didn't come to bring peace on earth? What about all those Christmas carols where we sing about Jesus bringing peace on earth and goodwill toward men? But right here, I had just read that Jesus didn't come to bring peace, but a sword. Now what does that mean? If you keep reading, He tells you. "For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person's enemies will be those of his own household." What??? Is Jesus saying that He wants to set us against our family? Not ultimately, but what He does want us to do might result in conflict with our loved ones. "And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me." So what does Christ want us to do? Quite simply, follow Him. He wants to be our all, our everything. He doesn't want anything or anyone to come in the way of that, not loved ones, not money, not possessions, not anything. He wants to be enough for us.

But as I think about today, the International Day of Peace, and I remember that Jesus didn't come to bring peace on earth now, He did come to bring it in the end. Because of Christ's death and resurrection, one day, when this old, dying, sinful planet is destroyed and we're living in the New Heavens and New Earth, peace will reign. Not the peace that's celebrated on IDP, but a peace that is everlasting, that will never wane, that will never diminish, a peace that unites all men. Not simply a peace that celebrates the absence of war, but a peace that celebrates the unity of all people in Christ. So, today, while the world sings "peace on earth," let's remember that:

Christ did not come to bring temporary, worldly peace. He came to bring temporary division, a division that will root out the unbelievers and sanctify His children and prepare us for the day when His eternal peace will reign.
Though Christ's peace does not cover the world now, it will. One day we will see "a new heaven and a new earth ... “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”" (Revelation 21:1, 3-5)

And so now, let us say with confidence, "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! (Revelation 22:20)

Daddy's Daughter: Insights on My Dad's Sunday School Lesson

2011-09-19T16:30:00.000-03:00

Yesterday in Sunday School we tackled part one of 1 Corinthians. My dad opened with the following article, and I thought I'd share it with you!

A church was in need of a pastor. One of the deacons was interested in knowing what kind of minister they desired. He therefore wrote the following letter, as if he had received it from an applicant, and read the letter before the pulpit committee:

"Understanding your pulpit is vacant. I should like to apply for the position. I have many qualifications that I think you would appreciate.

I have been blessed to preach with power and have had some success as a writer.
Some say that I am a good organizer. I have been a leader in most places I've gone.
Some folks, however, have some things against me.
I am over 50 years of age.
I have never preached in one place for more than three years at a time.
In some places, I have left town, after my work caused riots and disturbances.
I have to admit that I have been in jail 3 or 4 times, but not because of any wrong-doing.
My health is not good, though I still get a great deal done.
I have had to work at my trade to help pay my way.
The churches I have preached in have been small, though located in several large cities.
I have not gotten along too well with the religious leaders in different towns where I have preached. In fact, some have threatened me, taken me to court, and even attacked me physically.
I am not good at keeping records. I have been known to forget whom I have baptised.

However, if you can use me, I shall do my best for you, even if I have to work to help with my support."

After reading this letter to the committee, he asked if they were interested in the applicant. They replied that he would never do for their church; they were not interested in an unhealthy, contentious, trouble-making, absent-minded intellectual. In fact, they were insulted that his application had even been presented. They they inquired as to the name of the applicant, whereupon the leader answer: "Paul, an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ." - author unknown

Your Saturday Smile

2011-09-17T10:37:00.000-03:00

Well, it's a beautiful Saturday here in Halifax. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and it's time for some jokes to make this Saturday even more beautiful!

1) Who always steals the soap in the bathroom? The robber ducky!

2) How do you make a cheese puff? Chase it around the kitchen.

3) An FBI agent was interviewing a bank teller after the bank had been robbed for the third time by the same thief.
"Did you notice anything special about the man?" asked the agent.
"Yes," replied the teller. "He was better dressed each time."

4) A sloth is out for a walk when he's mugged by four snails. After recovering his wits, he goes to make a police report.
"Can you describe the snails?" asks the officer.
"Not well," says the sloth, "it all happened so fast ..."

5) Student: But I don't think I deserve a zero on this exam!
Teacher: Neither do I, but it's the lowest mark I could give you.

Fighting for Joy

2011-09-16T16:27:00.000-03:00

Yesterday I finished reading one of the most incredible books I've ever read, "Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist" by John Piper. The book is all about having joy in the Lord and pursuing pleasure in God. At the back of the book, an appendix is included, entitled, "How Then Shall We Fight for Joy?" The appendix has 15 ways to fight for joy along with much Scripture. I wanted to share this list with you, as the struggle for joy is constant in many, many Christians' lives. I found this list very encouraging!

Realize that authentic joy in God is a gift. (Galatians 5:22; Psalm 51:12; John 6:44)
Realize that joy must be fought for relentlessly. (2 Corinthians 1:24; Philippians 1:25; 2 Timothy 4:7; 1 Timothy 6:12; Matthew 24:12-13)
Resolve to attack all known sin in your life. (Romans 6:11-13; Romans 8:13)
Learn the secret of gutsy guilt: how to fight like a justified sinner. (Micah 7:8-9)
Realize that the battle is primarily a fight to see God for Who He is. (Psalm 34:8; 2 Corinthians 4:4-6; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 John 3:2; Psalm 9:10)
Meditate on the Word of God day and night. (Psalm 23:3; Psalm 19:7; Psalm 19:8; Jeremiah 15:16; John 15:11; Psalm 1:2-3; Romans 15:13; Matthew 4:4; Romans 10:17; John 20:31; Galatians 3:5; Romans 15:4; John 17:17; John 8:32; Ephesians 6:17; 1 John 2:14)
Pray earnestly and continually for open heart-eyes and an inclination for God. (John 16:24; Psalm 90:14; Psalm 85:6; Psalm 51:12; Mark 9:24; Ephesians 1:18; Psalm 119:18; Psalm 119:36)
Learn to preach to yourself rather than listen to yourself. (Psalm 42:5)
Spend time with God-saturated people who help you see God and fight the fight. (1 Samuel 23:16; Hebrews 3:12-13; Proverbs 13:20)
Be patient in the night of God's seeming absence. (Psalm 40:1-3)
Get the rest, exercise, and proper diet that your body was designed by God to have. (1 Corinthians 6:20)
Make a proper use of God's revelation in nature. (Psalm 19:1; Matthew 6:26; Matthew 6:28-29)
Read great books about God and biographies of great saints. (Hebrews 10:25; Hebrews 11:1-40; Hebrews 13:7)
Do the hard and loving thing for the sake of others - witness and mercy. (Isaiah 58:10-11)
Get a global vision for the cause of Christ and pour yourself out for the unreached. (Psalm 67:1-2, 6-7)

What a Night!!!

2011-09-13T17:21:00.000-03:00

"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." Proverbs 16:9

It all started two weeks ago, when I found out that some of my favourite Christian rock bands EVER were playing in Halifax on September 12. Needless to say, I was a little excited (okay, a lot excited). Dad and I got general seating tickets and, last night, headed for the Halifax Forum. But shortly before we left, one of Dad's friends (Mr. Hubick) phoned him and told him that he could get us free tickets, because he was close friends with the drummer of Manic Drive (an awesome band that was playing).

The doors of the Forum were set to open at 4:45 P.M., and Dad and I were supposed to get there about that time so that we could meet up with Mr. Hubick and get our tickets. While we waited with the crowd of people, Mr. Hubick mentioned how he might be able to get us to meet the band. As we talked and waited for the doors to open, the parking lot in front of the Forum was getting pretty crowded. Hundreds of people waited to get into the concert. And what happened next, but the first amazing thing on this amazing night! The drummer of Manic Drive (Keith) gestured to us from the entrance doors to the Forum and let us in! We entered the Forum before anyone else, and I got pictures with Manic Drive, and we got to help them move some of their stuff. As this was the first stop on a Canada-wide tour, things were pretty disorganized and running late.

As we were talking to Keith, he mentioned how because of the craziness of the first night of their tour, they hadn't been able to find anyone to run their merchandise table. Mr. Hubick, another friend that he had brought, Dad, and a slightly ecstatic me happily offered to tag-team. The merchandise tables were all set up on the main floor, where the stage was. The only thing in front of them were some chairs for the the V.I.P.s, and, though the V.I.P. chairs got a little busy during the main part of the concert, the merchandise people pretty much had the best view in the house!

Anyways, as we were hanging around the merch table (as we cool people call it), and as I purchased the first Manic Drive t-shirt of the evening, what to our wondering eyes did appear but a strangely familiar face lugging loads of luggage over to the empty merch table next to us. It took a second to recognize the man under the baseball cap and hoodie, but I nearly fell over when I recognized Manafest (a.k.a. Chris Greenwood)! Chris was under a little stress as the doors were to open in ten minutes, and he had nothing on his merch table and no one to run it. Well, thank goodness Dad was there, because, as we said jokingly afterwards, if it wasn't for him, Manafest probably wouldn't have hit the stage that night. Okay, that probably isn't true, but Dad did help a lot. He kindly offered to help Chris set up and watch his merch table. Chris was very appreciative (so appreciative, in fact, that he came back in between acts to see how Dad was doing and see if he needed anything, give Dad a free t-shirt, give us a free autographed CD!) Yeah, Manafest rocks.

So, with Mr. Hubick at the Manic Drive table and Dad right next to him at the Manafest table, I was just hanging out between the two. Well, as the first band hit the stage at nearly six-thirty (half an hour after the concert was supposed to start), the man who was running the merch table next to Manafest (Big D) was getting very worried. The band's merch table had just two CDs on it, that was it, but the merchandise trailer had just arrived, and he had to help unload. But who was to watch his table? Well, thank goodness that there was a sweet, innocent fourteen year old girl, who happened to have never, ever, ever run a merch table before. So, he gratefully handed me the money pouch with probably $500 or $600 in it and headed for the trailer. As he helped unload, I manned this table for most of the night. But what band's table was I manning, you wonder? Oh, just ... Thousand Foot Krutch's!!!

What a night. For my help, Big D gave me a free Thousand Foot Krutch t-shirt. Manic Drive gave me a free poster and signed it, and, as I previously said, Manafest gave Dad a free t-shirt, and us a signed album. What. A. Night. For those of you who aren't into Christian rock as much, or who have never heard of these three incredible bands, I encourage you to check out the links to these rockers who continue to rock out for the glory of God!

(Keith - the drummer of Manic Drive - and me before the concert)

Your Saturday Smile: Homework Excuses

2011-09-10T15:12:00.000-03:00

Well, the first week of school is over, and I'm already practising my homework excuses for next week. Do you think Mom will buy any of these?

I don't have my homework because ...

1) I lost it fighting a kid who said you weren't the best teacher in school!

2) our furnace stopped working, and we had to burn it to keep from freezing.

3) my dad had a nervous breakdown, and he cut it up to make paper dolls.

4) I made a paper plane out of it, and it got hijacked.

5) another pupil fell in the lake, and I jumped in to rescue him. Unfortunately, my homework drowned!

The Propitiation for our Sins?

2011-09-08T13:07:00.000-03:00

"In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins." 1 John 4:10 (emphasis mine)

The verse above has puzzled many people before. What does it mean that Jesus is the "propitiation for our sins"? Well, I found a great video that seems to perfectly illustrate the concept. I found it extremely edifying and encouraging!

(HT: Challies)

Reflecting on God's Providence as I Begin a New School Year

2011-09-06T16:24:00.000-03:00

Today was the first day of school here at the old Crowe homestead. It went really well, and I already feel smarter! The class that started us out this morning was probably the perfect class to start off any school year with - Systematic Theology. In this class, which Dad teaches, we're going through Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology, a great book which I'm learning a lot from. This morning's topic was God's providence.

God's providence means simply that God is the ultimate controller and causer of all events. He governs and preserves everything. Whatever happens, He has willed it to happen. God knew and predestined that I would write this blog post. God knew that I would go out shopping on my birthday. He knew that we'd start off the first day of school with Systematic Theology.

In this morning's lesson, we looked at a few verses that outline God's providence and what it means. I wanted to share them with you. (Hint: the "he" in these verses is Christ.)

"And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together." Colossians 1:17

"For in him we live and move and have our being." Acts 17:28

"You are the Lord, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and you preserve all of them; and the host of heaven worships you." Nehemiah 9:6

"In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will." Ephesians 1:11

"For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." Philippians 2:13

So, as another school year begins and we prepare to get back to work, let's reflect on God's providence. Let's remember this year (and always!) that God is in control. What He wills to happen will happen. We must simply trust Him and do our best for Him (Colossians 3:23).

Your Saturday Smile: Back to School Edition

2011-09-03T17:25:00.000-03:00

Well, it's over. Summer is officially done. It's September now, and yesterday was the last official day of summer vacation for me. I'm back to school on Tuesday, and it's back to routine. So for those of you who are back to school this week and for those of you lucky dogs who aren't ... here's your Saturday smile - back to school edition!

1) Teacher: Who gave the Liberty Bell to Philadelphia?
Pupil: It must have been a duck family.
Teacher: A duck family?
Pupil: Yeah. Didn't you say there was a quack in it?

2) Billy: Great news, Teacher says we have a test today, rain or shine!
Molly: So what's so great about that?
Billy: It's snowing outside!

3) What's the worst thing you're likely to find in the school cafeteria? The food.

4) Emma remarked in her history class one day, "I wish I was born 1,000 years ago."
Lucy asked, "Why's that?"
Emma replied, "Just think of all the history I wouldn't have had to learn!"

5) Teacher: What does the 1286BC inscribed on the mummy's tomb indicate?
Ralph: The licence plate on the car that ran him over!

"Let the Word of Christ Dwell In You Richly"

2011-08-31T15:14:00.000-03:00

As of tomorrow, I begin my journey through the Bible from start to finish - take three. I'm using a one-year plan in which I read two passages a day, one in the Old Testament and one in the New, created by this resource. So, for those of you who are starting a Bible reading plan now, like me, or who are in the middle of a plan, or who have never used a plan before, but are considering one, here's some benefits to a structured plan and some tips on using one:

Some Benefits:

It keeps me accountable. If I don't have a plan, I will not be totally accountable in reading the Word of God. Without a plan, I'm easily tempted to skip a day ... or two ... or three ... and on and on it goes. A plan keeps me disciplined in the Word on a daily basis. Now, not everyone has the problem of discipline and accountability. For example, my mom. She doesn't use a Bible-reading plan, because she reads her Bible way more than she would in a plan. It all depends on what works for you. For me, I need a plan to keep me accountable.
It helps me read the entire Bible. I found that before I started a plan, I'd be avoiding books that seemed "too hard" or "too theological" (my dad would say that isn't a term) to me. I'd read books like Genesis, Exodus, and then skip over Leviticus. I'd read Psalms and Proverbs and skip the Prophets. I'd read some of Paul's letters and steer clear of Revelation. What treasures I missed! A Bible-reading plan helped me to first discover the riches contained in the pages of each and every book of the Bible. A plan keeps me from reading just my favourite books and missing out on the wealth of riches in every book.
It helps me see the over-all picture of the Bible. Each book of the Bible you read is like a puzzle piece, and, as you read, you put piece by piece together and you understand more clearly how the Bible works together as one unified, concise book. You see its key themes and they help you recognize the Bible as a whole.

Some Tips:

Pick a plan that works best for you. I like a one-year Bible reading plan, but my brother uses a three-year plan. Neither plan is better, but mine does work better for me, as his does for him. Look around at plans and don't pick the first one you find. Get godly counsel. Talk to a pastor, mentor, or parent. Get their input. And then make the final choice on the plan that you like the most and which will work the best for you.
If you're reading the Bible all the way through for the first time, read it with someone else. When I read my Bible for the first time with my dad, it made such a difference! I had someone who had read the same text as me and who was anticipating my questions and who was there for discussions. It was definitely a blessing!
Pray, pray and pray some more. Pray for guidance in picking a plan. Then pray for joy in reading the Word. Pray for discipline. Pray for wisdom. Pray that the Lord would reveal Himself to you in the pages of His Word. And then ask others to pray for you. Prayer is the key to making it successfully through a plan. Pray before you read the Word. Pray after you've closed the Word. Pray as you read the Word. As Paul says in Colossians 4:2, "Devote yourself to prayer!"

So as I begin my journey through the Bible this next year - take 3 - I want to encourage you in the Word. If you're in the middle of a plan right now, keep on keeping on! If you're not using a plan, but are studying the Word on your own, good for you! I greatly admire your discipline, your dedication, and your desire for the Bible! And finally, if you're considering starting a plan, I hope my words have helped you and encouraged you to take a deeper look into the blessings of Bible-reading-plans.

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." Colossians 3:16

Daddy's Daughter: Insights on My Dad's Sermon

2011-08-29T13:56:00.000-03:00

Yesterday, Dad preached on Psalm 23, a familiar passage to many. One thing that really stuck out to me was something he mentioned about the very first verse, Psalm 23:1 ("The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures.") It was specifically in the first half of verse one: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." What does that phrase mean - "I shall not want"? It's an interesting statement if you think about it. David, the author of Psalm 23, just finished saying that the Lord is his shepherd, or his leader, his guide, his comforter, his provider, and his conclusion is I shall not want. But what does that mean, we're still wondering? Basically, David is saying that he has such complete and utter trust in the Lord, his shepherd, he wants nothing more. He is totally and fully satisfied in his Maker. He doesn't want the Lord + anything. He just wants the Lord.

Many people who call themselves "Christians" seem to have a much different view. They are not satisfied with only the Lord. They think they need a person + the Lord to satisfy. Or an activity + the Lord. A possession + the Lord. Money + the Lord. Something + the Lord. He is not enough for them. They may think He's their shepherd, but they still want. So what does that say about them? If they want anything but the Lord to satisfy them, then the Lord is not their shepherd. Now, just because we sin in not being totally satisfied in the Lord all the time, that doesn't mean we're not Christians. It means we simply must repent of our sin and pray that the Lord would bring us to the point where He is truly all we need.

So let's focus our desires on the Shepherd, not on money or people or possessions, so that we can wholeheartedly say with David, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."

"Our God Will Fight for Us"

2011-08-24T16:43:00.000-03:00

This morning, my devotional reading found me in Nehemiah 4. I was immensely blessed by this short chapter and thought I'd share it with you (in the previous three chapters of this book, Nehemiah has been called by the Lord to gather the Jews and rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, but trouble's coming when we meet a few people who don't want the wall to be built). This chapter is for all those who get discouraged, for those who face opposition, for those who can't see the Lord at work, and for those who get afraid. Nehemiah reminds us "do not be afraid ... our God will fight for us."

   "Now when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry and greatly enraged, and he jeered at the Jews. And he said in the presence of his brothers and of the army of Samaria, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they restore it for themselves? Will they sacrifice? Will they finish up in a day? Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish, and burned ones at that?” Tobiah the Ammonite was beside him, and he said, “Yes, what they are building—if a fox goes up on it he will break down their stone wall!” Hear, O our God, for we are despised. Turn back their taunt on their own heads and give them up to be plundered in a land where they are captives. Do not cover their guilt, and let not their sin be blotted out from your sight, for they have provoked you to anger in the presence of the builders.
    So we built the wall. And all the wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.
    But when Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs and the Ammonites and the Ashdodites heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem was going forward and that the breaches were beginning to be closed, they were very angry. And they all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and to cause confusion in it. And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night.
     In Judah it was said, “The strength of those who bear the burdens is failing. There is too much rubble. By ourselves we will not be able to rebuild the wall.” And our enemies said, “They will not know or see till we come among them and kill them and stop the work.” At that time the Jews who lived near them came from all directions and said to us ten times, “You must return to us.” So in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, in open places, I stationed the people by their clans, with their swords, their spears, and their bows. And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.”
    When our enemies heard that it was known to us and that God had frustrated their plan, we all returned to the wall, each to his work. From that day on, half of my servants worked on construction, and half held the spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail. And the leaders stood behind the whole house of Judah, who were building on the wall. Those who carried burdens were loaded in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and held his weapon with the other. And each of the builders had his sword strapped at his side while he built. The man who sounded the trumpet was beside me. And I said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “The work is great and widely spread, and we are separated on the wall, far from one another. In the place where you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.”
    So we labored at the work, and half of them held the spears from the break of dawn until the stars came out. I also said to the people at that time, “Let every man and his servant pass the night within Jerusalem, that they may be a guard for us by night and may labor by day.” So neither I nor my brothers nor my servants nor the men of the guard who followed me, none of us took off our clothes; each kept his weapon at his right hand."

Growing in Grace - August 2011

2011-08-23T13:46:00.001-03:00

Well, I hate to say it, but summer's almost over. The cottages are being locked up for another year. The flip-flops and shorts are being packed away. The barbecues are being covered, and the trees are starting to turn from their summery green to muted golds and fiery reds. So as we bid farewell to our fast-fading summer, here's some good reading to enjoy before September arrives.

Nothing Gets Past Him - A good reflection by Kimberly Wagner on the True Woman blog.

A Soul-Satisfying Summer - "A word from John Piper - "Don't let summer make your soul shrivel.""

Louisiana Baptists Send Hay to Drought-Weary Texas Farmers - "Donated bales of hay are making their way from southeastern Louisiana to drought-stricken Texas."

37 Ways to Love One Another - "The Christian life is all about relationships. It’s God’s design for our personal growth, which then translates into church growth—the real kind. Loving one another is a powerful evangelistic tool, as Jesus says: “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35)."

Earth: Landscapes That Will Blow Your Mind - These are absolutely INCREDIBLE!

Judas Was the Treasurer? - "Has it ever struck you as odd that Jesus put a thief in charge of his moneybag? Of all the disciples, Jesus chose Judas to be treasurer of his itinerant nonprofit. One is tempted to offer the Lord some consulting on good stewardship. Donors were financially supporting this ministry (Luke 8:3) and the one guy who Jesus knew was a “devil” (John 6:70) was made CFO."

An Opal Ring and a Piping Bullfinch - A really neat story about Charles Spurgeon and his invalid wife!

Your Saturday Smile: Happy Birthday Edition!

2011-08-20T12:21:00.000-03:00

In honour of my birthday next week, here's five jokes for your Saturday smile ... happy birthday edition!

What do you give a 900-pound gorilla for his birthday? I don't know, but you better hope he likes it!
How can you tell if you're getting old? You go to an antique auction and three people try to bid on you.
What usually comes after the monster lights the birthday candles? The fire department!
Were any famous men born on your birthday? No, only little babies.
Why did you buy me a pair of bunny ears? Because I wanted you to have a hoppy birthday!