Advent 4

 It is overwhelming to consider all of the details that contributed to the birth of Jesus. The plan from the beginning of time for our Triune God to intervene in human history is enough to reorient our view of world history. But even more is the fact of God’s intervention into the lives of ordinary outsiders to Hebrew culture and genealogy,  demonstrating His view of humanity. God’s love over rules all human ties and boundaries. His love is the most radical force that changes a person, breaking traditions and cultural rules. We have a depth of worship to consider in our hearts. 

“I would like to buy about three dollars worth of gospel, please. Not too much – just enough to make me happy, but not so much that I get addicted. I don't want so much gospel that I learn to really hate covetousness and lust. I certainly don't want so much that I start to love my enemies, cherish self-denial, and contemplate missionary service in some alien culture. I want ecstasy, not repentance; I want transcendence, not transformation. I would like to be cherished by some nice, forgiving, broad-minded people, but I myself don't want to love those from different races – especially if they smell. I would like enough gospel to make my family secure and my children well behaved, but not so much that I find my ambitions redirected or my giving too greatly enlarged. I would like about three dollars worth of gospel, please.” - D.A. Carson, Basics for Believers: An Exposition of Philippians

Wisdom quotes

 Wisdom is all a matter of viewing the world God’s way, with God’s revelation providing the necessary framework which alone makes sense of life, giving it some sort of coherence and direction. This is sometimes called a worldview, a kind of moral map with the main points located so we can steer our way through life to maximum benefit. Accordingly, whatever it is that is to be studied, whether science, history, or home economics, all of these things can be placed within a Christian framework, in terms of the Creator-Redeeming God, and where they can be made sense of.

Wisdom to Live By, Christian Focus Publications, 1998, p. 96- 97. Used by Permission.

 

 Melvin Tinker

True wisdom, which will help us make our way through this complex world, begins by acknowledging the Lord and humbling ourselves before Him (Pr. 9:10). It submits to the view that He knows best, and what this is comes to us through…the special revelation of His Word.

Wisdom to Live By, Christian Focus Publications, 1998, p. 41. Used by Permission.

In the Bible, self-love as such is seen to be a sinful thing. After all, what is the essence of sin but that we are curved in on ourselves, placing self, rather than God, at the center of the universe. And so Paul, in 2 Timothy 3:1-5, tells us that one of the hallmarks of the last days is that people will be “lovers of themselves” instead of “lovers of God,” and that is precisely where we are in our society today.

Wisdom to Live By, Christian Focus Publications, 1998, p. 109. Used by Permission.

“I would like to buy about three dollars worth of gospel, please. Not too much – just enough to make me happy, but not so much that I get addicted. I don't want so much gospel that I learn to really hate covetousness and lust. I certainly don't want so much that I start to love my enemies, cherish self-denial, and contemplate missionary service in some alien culture. I want ecstasy, not repentance; I want transcendence, not transformation. I would like to be cherished by some nice, forgiving, broad-minded people, but I myself don't want to love those from different races – especially if they smell. I would like enough gospel to make my family secure and my children well behaved, but not so much that I find my ambitions redirected or my giving too greatly enlarged. I would like about three dollars worth of gospel, please.” - D.A. Carson, Basics for Believers: An Exposition of Philippians

Andy Rooney

 Rooneyisms - Too good not to share!!

I've learned.... That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.

I've learned.... That when you're in love, it shows.

I've learned.... That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes my day.

I've learned.... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.

I've learned.... That being kind is more important than being right.

I've learned.... That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I've learned.... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.

I've learned.... That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.

I've learned.... That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold

and a heart to understand.

I've learned.... That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

I've learned.... That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

I've learned.... That we should be glad God doesn't give us

everything we ask for.

I've learned.... That money doesn't buy class.

I've learned.... That it's those small daily happenings that make

life so spectacular.

I've learned.... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

I've learned.... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I've learned.... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.

I've learned.... That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I've learned.... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.

I've learned.... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile..

I've learned.... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.

I've learned... That life is tough, but I'm tougher.

I've learned.... That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.

I've learned.... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I've learned.... That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before she passed away.

I've learned.... That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I've learned..... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I've learned..... That when your newly born grandchild holds your

little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.

I've learned.... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.

I've learned.... That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.

Advent 3

God has a way of breaking down our previous misconceptions about His kingdom. All earthly rules and boundaries do not apply. His kingdom and His economy functions on the currency of grace, not earned privileges or rights. The status quo of power and status do not work in His kingdom. His grace and love are offered to all people regardless of background or rules. We have so much to praise Him for as we approach our celebration of the King’s birth. 

“Look up, you whose gaze is fixed on this earth, who are spellbound by the little events and changes on the face of the earth. Look up to these words, you who have turned away from heaven disappointed. Look up, you whose eyes are heavy with tears and who are heavy and who are crying over the fact that the earth has gracelessly torn us away. Look up, you who, burdened with guilt, cannot lift your eyes. Look up, your redemption is drawing near. something different from what you see daily will happen. Just be aware, be watchful, wait just another short moment. Wait and something quite new will break over you: God will come.” - Dietrich Bonhoeffer, God Is in the Manger: Reflections on Advent and Christmas

Goliath 7

 This devotional is so helpful as I think about all the STUFF that usually bug me, frustrate or Irritate me. There are so many distractions but my thoughts do not have to dwell on them. I need to focus on how close the Lord is and how He is with me rather than how all the distractions. His presence will guide me through each issue as I give Him more of my attention and focus. May God show us the barriers that hinder our growth in Him. 

Goliath 6

 Being fully focused on developing a deep relationship with God changes everything. I’m not addicted to the past with all the regrets and anger baggage I’ve carried with me. I’m not living in the negativity and anger of those around me but I’m not living in a fake positivity either. I’m not stuck so much in the future that I don’t see what is right in front of me. By maintaining my focus on Him, I’m enjoying His character and His love demonstrated to me. I’m watching for His movements, seeing where He is working in someone’s heart. I want to be faithful to what He has called us to be and do, free from the distractions around me. 

Goliath 5

 I can think back to so many times in my life when I’ve been angry. As a teen and young adult it is tough to not be angry because you want to be in control of your life but there are so many variables that enter in. As a parent I’ve been angry at all the injustice waiged against the family. Learning to give more and more over to God is a process that takes time and struggle. I’m praying that you will learn early, Josh, to give yourself compleyely to Christ that He might live through you, allowing His love to control your heart. I’m finding that today’s culture is characterized by anger and division, but I’m hoping God refines us to love Him even more, shedding the cultural idols we have had in the past.