I'm reading the Bible in one year and the Wisdom reading for Sep 26 is Psalm 112.
Psalm 112
Praise the LORD.
Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands.
His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.
Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.
Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.
Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice.
Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever.
He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.
He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor, his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honour.
The wicked man will see and be vexed, he will gnash his teeth and waste away; the longings of the wicked will come to nothing.
- Psalm 112 (NIV)
This is the first time I've meditated on Psalm 112 and the relationship between Psalm 112 and Proverbs 31 just blows my mind! Like Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 112 is an acrostic poem, the lines of which begin with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet - signifying completion.
The Book of Psalms and the Blessed Man
The book of Psalms begins with the account of the blessed man - who delights in the law of the LORD.
"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers." - Psalm 1:1-3 (NIV)
And as we have seen above, Psalm 112 echoes the account of the blessed man in Psalm 1 - who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands.
"Praise the LORD. Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands." - Psalm 112:1 (NIV)
The Book of Proverbs and the Blessed Woman
Meanwhile, the book of Proverbs begins with exhortations to embrace wisdom - by fearing the LORD.
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." - Proverbs 1:7 (NIV)
Metaphorically speaking, in the book of Proverbs wisdom *is* a woman - the wife of noble character.
"Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out its seven pillars. She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table. She has sent out her maids, and she calls from the highest point of the city.
"Let all who are simple come in here!" she says to those who lack judgment. "Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed. Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of understanding."" - Proverbs 9:1-6 (NIV)
"She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness." - Proverbs 31:26-27 (NIV)
Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out its seven pillars... She watches over the affairs of her household.
"Let all who are simple come in here!" she says to those who lack judgment... She speaks with wisdom.
Of course, the book of Proverbs ends with the account of the blessed woman - who fears the LORD.
"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." - Proverbs 31:28-31 (NIV)
Application: Fear the LORD
Psalms and Proverbs. The Psalm 112 man and the Proverbs 31 woman. The blessed man who fears the LORD and the blessed woman who fears the LORD.
Instead of focusing on finding a wife of noble character, why not focus on being a man of noble character?
Instead of focusing on finding a Proverbs 31 woman (who cannot be found anyway except by God's grace), why not focus on being a Psalm 112 man?
Links: The Proverbs 31 Woman (14 Feb 09), The Wife of Noble Character (14 Feb 10), A wife of noble character who can find? (5 May 10), The Man of Noble Character (6 Sep 10)
Thursday, 9 September 2010
Wednesday, 8 September 2010
Sep 1 to 7
Sep 1: "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." - Micah 6:8 (NIV)
Sep 2: ""Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool."" - Isaiah 1:18 (NIV)
Sep 3: "Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God." - 2 Corinthians 7:1 (NIV)
Sep 4: "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death." - 2 Corinthians 7:10 (NIV)
Sep 5: "I will wait for the LORD, who is hiding his face from the house of Jacob. I will put my trust in him." - Isaiah 8:17 (NIV)
Sep 6: "For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men." - 2 Corinthians 8:21 (NIV)
Sep 7: "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." - 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)
Sep 2: ""Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool."" - Isaiah 1:18 (NIV)
Sep 3: "Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God." - 2 Corinthians 7:1 (NIV)
Sep 4: "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death." - 2 Corinthians 7:10 (NIV)
Sep 5: "I will wait for the LORD, who is hiding his face from the house of Jacob. I will put my trust in him." - Isaiah 8:17 (NIV)
Sep 6: "For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men." - 2 Corinthians 8:21 (NIV)
Sep 7: "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." - 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)
Tuesday, 7 September 2010
When Trials Come
I'm reading the Bible in one year and the Old Testament reading for Sep 16 is Isaiah 38:1-40:31.
But what can I say? He has spoken to me, and he himself has done this. I will walk humbly all my years because of this anguish of my soul.
Lord, by such things men live; and my spirit finds life in them too. You restored me to health and let me live.
Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind your back.
For the grave cannot praise you, death cannot sing your praise; those who go down to the pit cannot hope for your faithfulness.
The living, the living - they praise you, as I am doing today; fathers tell their children about your faithfulness.
- Isaiah 38:15-19 (NIV)
God knows what we need and when we need it. His will is exactly what we would desire if we knew all the facts.
"The will of God will never place us where the grace of God cannot keep us." - Anonymous
When trials come, He will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear.
"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
God will not withhold anything from us unless it is for His glory and our good. In the first place, He has not spared His own Son, but has given Him up for us all.
"He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all - how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" - Romans 8:32 (NIV)
Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish!
Listen to Joseph.
"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." - Genesis 50:20 (NIV)
And Job.
"Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." - Job 1:21 (NIV)
And Paul.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28 (NIV)
When trials come no longer fear
For in the pain our God draws near
To fire a faith worth more than gold
And there His faithfulness is told
And there His faithfulness is told
Within the night I know Your peace
The breath of God brings strength to me
And new each morning mercy flows
As treasures of the darkness grow
As treasures of the darkness grow
I turn to wisdom not my own
For every battle You have known
My confidence will rest in You
Your love endures Your ways are good
Your love endures Your ways are good
But what can I say? He has spoken to me, and he himself has done this. I will walk humbly all my years because of this anguish of my soul.
Lord, by such things men live; and my spirit finds life in them too. You restored me to health and let me live.
Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind your back.
For the grave cannot praise you, death cannot sing your praise; those who go down to the pit cannot hope for your faithfulness.
The living, the living - they praise you, as I am doing today; fathers tell their children about your faithfulness.
- Isaiah 38:15-19 (NIV)
God knows what we need and when we need it. His will is exactly what we would desire if we knew all the facts.
"The will of God will never place us where the grace of God cannot keep us." - Anonymous
When trials come, He will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear.
"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
God will not withhold anything from us unless it is for His glory and our good. In the first place, He has not spared His own Son, but has given Him up for us all.
"He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all - how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" - Romans 8:32 (NIV)
Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish!
Listen to Joseph.
"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." - Genesis 50:20 (NIV)
And Job.
"Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." - Job 1:21 (NIV)
And Paul.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28 (NIV)
When trials come no longer fear
For in the pain our God draws near
To fire a faith worth more than gold
And there His faithfulness is told
And there His faithfulness is told
Within the night I know Your peace
The breath of God brings strength to me
And new each morning mercy flows
As treasures of the darkness grow
As treasures of the darkness grow
I turn to wisdom not my own
For every battle You have known
My confidence will rest in You
Your love endures Your ways are good
Your love endures Your ways are good
Monday, 6 September 2010
The Man of Noble Character
I'm reading the Bible in one year and the Old Testament reading for Sep 13 is Isaiah 30:19-32:20.
"For the fool speaks folly, his mind is busy with evil: He practises ungodliness and spreads error concerning the LORD; the hungry he leaves empty and from the thirsty he withholds water. The scoundrel's methods are wicked, he makes up evil schemes to destroy the poor with lies, even when the plea of the needy is just. But the noble man makes noble plans, and by noble deeds he stands." - Isaiah 32:8 (NIV)
Instead of focusing on finding a wife of noble character, why not focus on being a man of noble character?
"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies... Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." - Proverbs 31:10, 30-31 (NIV)
Of course, the point of Proverbs 31:10 is not that a wife of noble character cannot be found. Rather, the point of Proverbs 31:10 is that a wife of noble character is a gift from God, to be received with thanksgiving.
"A wife of noble character is her husband's crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones." - Proverbs 12:4 (NIV)
A wife of noble character who can find? The Bible tells us that 'he who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favour from the LORD' (Proverbs 18:22, NIV). However, finding a wife of noble character is not so much about searching for "the one", as it is about trusting God to work things out.
Commenting on Proverbs 18:22, Bill Thrasher in Believing God for His Best writes that 'the Hebrew word for "find" does not denote a diligent search but rather finding something along one's normal and natural path of life'. Indeed, 'houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the LORD' (Proverbs 19:14, NIV).
Again, instead of focusing on finding a wife of noble character, why not focus on being a man of noble character?
"But the noble man makes noble plans, and by noble deeds he stands." - Isaiah 32:8 (NIV)
Links: The Proverbs 31 Woman (14 Feb 09), The Wife of Noble Character (14 Feb 10), A wife of noble character who can find? (5 May 10), The Psalm 112 Man (9 Sep 10)
"For the fool speaks folly, his mind is busy with evil: He practises ungodliness and spreads error concerning the LORD; the hungry he leaves empty and from the thirsty he withholds water. The scoundrel's methods are wicked, he makes up evil schemes to destroy the poor with lies, even when the plea of the needy is just. But the noble man makes noble plans, and by noble deeds he stands." - Isaiah 32:8 (NIV)
Instead of focusing on finding a wife of noble character, why not focus on being a man of noble character?
"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies... Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." - Proverbs 31:10, 30-31 (NIV)
Of course, the point of Proverbs 31:10 is not that a wife of noble character cannot be found. Rather, the point of Proverbs 31:10 is that a wife of noble character is a gift from God, to be received with thanksgiving.
"A wife of noble character is her husband's crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones." - Proverbs 12:4 (NIV)
A wife of noble character who can find? The Bible tells us that 'he who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favour from the LORD' (Proverbs 18:22, NIV). However, finding a wife of noble character is not so much about searching for "the one", as it is about trusting God to work things out.
Commenting on Proverbs 18:22, Bill Thrasher in Believing God for His Best writes that 'the Hebrew word for "find" does not denote a diligent search but rather finding something along one's normal and natural path of life'. Indeed, 'houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the LORD' (Proverbs 19:14, NIV).
Again, instead of focusing on finding a wife of noble character, why not focus on being a man of noble character?
"But the noble man makes noble plans, and by noble deeds he stands." - Isaiah 32:8 (NIV)
Links: The Proverbs 31 Woman (14 Feb 09), The Wife of Noble Character (14 Feb 10), A wife of noble character who can find? (5 May 10), The Psalm 112 Man (9 Sep 10)
Sunday, 5 September 2010
More on Waiting for the LORD in Isaiah
I'm reading the Bible in one year and the Old Testament reading for Sep 5 is Isaiah 8:11-10:19.
"I will wait for the LORD, who is hiding his face from the house of Jacob. I will put my trust in him." - Isaiah 8:17 (NIV)
Waiting for the LORD means putting our trust in Him. It is not a passive resignation to "fate", but an active reliance on God's sovereignty and goodness!
Discovering God's Will in Waiting
All impatience can be traced back to a disbelief in God's ultimate goodness. That is why, if we are to appreciate the wisdom of God's guidance, it is important for us to understand not only the nature of his guidance, but the character of the Guide himself. Trust him for his goodness, and we will trust him for his guidance!
- Sinclair B. Ferguson, Discovering God's Will
Faith is not a blind, frenzied belief that God will do exactly what I'm insisting He do. It isn't asking for things I badly want, then expecting God to grant them regardless of His own wisdom and judgment.
Faith is trusting God even when He doesn't answer our prayers as we'd hoped. It rests in the confidence that His plan for us is best even if, at the time, we can't see how it could be so. As we grow in Christ, we also come to understand that faith is seeking God's will through His Word and prayer, then waiting before Him with sanctified insistence until our needs are granted.
- Robert J. Morgan, The Promise: God Works All Things Together for Your Good
Link: Waiting for the LORD in Isaiah (23 Aug 10)
"I will wait for the LORD, who is hiding his face from the house of Jacob. I will put my trust in him." - Isaiah 8:17 (NIV)
Waiting for the LORD means putting our trust in Him. It is not a passive resignation to "fate", but an active reliance on God's sovereignty and goodness!
Discovering God's Will in Waiting
All impatience can be traced back to a disbelief in God's ultimate goodness. That is why, if we are to appreciate the wisdom of God's guidance, it is important for us to understand not only the nature of his guidance, but the character of the Guide himself. Trust him for his goodness, and we will trust him for his guidance!
- Sinclair B. Ferguson, Discovering God's Will
Faith is not a blind, frenzied belief that God will do exactly what I'm insisting He do. It isn't asking for things I badly want, then expecting God to grant them regardless of His own wisdom and judgment.
Faith is trusting God even when He doesn't answer our prayers as we'd hoped. It rests in the confidence that His plan for us is best even if, at the time, we can't see how it could be so. As we grow in Christ, we also come to understand that faith is seeking God's will through His Word and prayer, then waiting before Him with sanctified insistence until our needs are granted.
- Robert J. Morgan, The Promise: God Works All Things Together for Your Good
Link: Waiting for the LORD in Isaiah (23 Aug 10)
Saturday, 4 September 2010
Scripture and the Interpretation of Scripture
I had dinner with a dear brother-in-Christ and we happened to discuss a number of secondary issues.
When choosing between different interpretations of Scripture on secondary issues, we are not questioning the authority of Scripture over reason (on one hand) or choosing between Scripture and reason (on the other hand). Rather, we are choosing between one reasoned interpretation of Scripture and another reasoned interpretation of Scripture, one of which is (closer to being) correct.
To say that an interpretation of Scripture must be reasoned (and reasonable!) is not to say that reason trumps Scripture. (Reason does not trump Scripture.) On the contrary, reason is founded on Scripture. Reason is the scriptural means by which we interpret Scripture, even as we live in a fallen world and 'see through a glass, darkly' (1 Corinthians 13:12, KJV).
"Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." - Isaiah 1:18 (NIV)
"Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD." - Lamentations 3:40 (NIV)
"At this point Festus interrupted Paul's defence. "You are out of your mind, Paul!" he shouted. "Your great learning is driving you insane." "I am not insane, most excellent Festus," Paul replied. "What I am saying is true and reasonable."" - Acts 26:24-25 (NIV)
"Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realise that Christ Jesus is in you - unless, of course, you fail the test?" - 2 Corinthians 13:5 (NIV)
"Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this." - 2 Timothy 2:7 (NIV)
"By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned." Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death." - Hebrews 11:17-19 (NIV)
"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." - 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
"There are two kinds of presuppositionalists: those who admit it and those who don't." - D. A. Carson quoting Carl F. H. Henry
The question is not whether we interpret Scripture. (We all interpret Scripture.) The question is how we interpret Scripture.
In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.
Links: Philosophy and Theology (3 Jan 10), Why Theology Matters (11 Apr 10), I think, therefore I am (10 Aug 10)
When choosing between different interpretations of Scripture on secondary issues, we are not questioning the authority of Scripture over reason (on one hand) or choosing between Scripture and reason (on the other hand). Rather, we are choosing between one reasoned interpretation of Scripture and another reasoned interpretation of Scripture, one of which is (closer to being) correct.
To say that an interpretation of Scripture must be reasoned (and reasonable!) is not to say that reason trumps Scripture. (Reason does not trump Scripture.) On the contrary, reason is founded on Scripture. Reason is the scriptural means by which we interpret Scripture, even as we live in a fallen world and 'see through a glass, darkly' (1 Corinthians 13:12, KJV).
"Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." - Isaiah 1:18 (NIV)
"Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD." - Lamentations 3:40 (NIV)
"At this point Festus interrupted Paul's defence. "You are out of your mind, Paul!" he shouted. "Your great learning is driving you insane." "I am not insane, most excellent Festus," Paul replied. "What I am saying is true and reasonable."" - Acts 26:24-25 (NIV)
"Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realise that Christ Jesus is in you - unless, of course, you fail the test?" - 2 Corinthians 13:5 (NIV)
"Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this." - 2 Timothy 2:7 (NIV)
"By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned." Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death." - Hebrews 11:17-19 (NIV)
"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." - 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
"There are two kinds of presuppositionalists: those who admit it and those who don't." - D. A. Carson quoting Carl F. H. Henry
The question is not whether we interpret Scripture. (We all interpret Scripture.) The question is how we interpret Scripture.
In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.
Links: Philosophy and Theology (3 Jan 10), Why Theology Matters (11 Apr 10), I think, therefore I am (10 Aug 10)
Beginning with Moses
"And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, [Jesus] explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself." - Luke 24:27 (NIV)
The Bible has a storyline and this big picture must by necessity affect the way we approach individual biblical texts - because the texts of the Bible themselves are born out of what has gone before and what is still anticipated in the future. The texts themselves demand that we interpret the part in the light of the whole and vice-versa.
In practice, then, this means that to preach on OT texts about sacrifice or the covenant, say, without explicitly preaching the direction that the Bible develops those trajectories is to preach incomplete sermons. To preach on NT texts that rely for their meaning on OT backgrounds without explicitly making the connections that the text wants us to make is to distort the text.
Luke 24:27 is just one of many NT axioms that underpin evangelical biblical theology and it provides part of the rationale for recognising that the whole Bible resonates with Christological significance and that all our preaching must aim to preach Christ in a way that reflects, and that is shaped by, the overarching biblical plotline.
- beginningwithmoses.org, What is Biblical Theology?
Link: His Story (13 Aug 10)
The Bible has a storyline and this big picture must by necessity affect the way we approach individual biblical texts - because the texts of the Bible themselves are born out of what has gone before and what is still anticipated in the future. The texts themselves demand that we interpret the part in the light of the whole and vice-versa.
In practice, then, this means that to preach on OT texts about sacrifice or the covenant, say, without explicitly preaching the direction that the Bible develops those trajectories is to preach incomplete sermons. To preach on NT texts that rely for their meaning on OT backgrounds without explicitly making the connections that the text wants us to make is to distort the text.
Luke 24:27 is just one of many NT axioms that underpin evangelical biblical theology and it provides part of the rationale for recognising that the whole Bible resonates with Christological significance and that all our preaching must aim to preach Christ in a way that reflects, and that is shaped by, the overarching biblical plotline.
- beginningwithmoses.org, What is Biblical Theology?
Link: His Story (13 Aug 10)
Friday, 3 September 2010
The Butterfly Effect
One day a man found the cocoon of a butterfly. Soon a small opening appeared on the surface. He sat and watched for the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through that little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could and it could go no further.
So the man decided to help the butterfly. He took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon. The butterfly then emerged easily. But it had a swollen body and small, shrivelled wings.
The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body, which would contract in time. Neither happened! In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shrivelled wings. It never was able to fly.
What the man in his kindness and haste did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening were God's way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon.
Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If God allowed us to go through our life without any obstacles, it would cripple us. We would not be as strong as what we could have been. And we could never fly.
- Marlinda Ireland, What is God Waiting For?
"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God." - Romans 8:18-21 (NIV)
Link: If I Were a Butterfly (2 Aug 09)
So the man decided to help the butterfly. He took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon. The butterfly then emerged easily. But it had a swollen body and small, shrivelled wings.
The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body, which would contract in time. Neither happened! In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shrivelled wings. It never was able to fly.
What the man in his kindness and haste did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening were God's way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon.
Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If God allowed us to go through our life without any obstacles, it would cripple us. We would not be as strong as what we could have been. And we could never fly.
- Marlinda Ireland, What is God Waiting For?
"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God." - Romans 8:18-21 (NIV)
Link: If I Were a Butterfly (2 Aug 09)
Thursday, 2 September 2010
The Family of God
Then [Jesus] said to [His disciples], "Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.'
"Then the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.' I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs.
"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
"Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
- Luke 11:5-13 (NIV)
Jesus had at least four younger brothers and two younger sisters, which meant he grew up in a house of many children. His was not a wealthy home, and he no doubt knew the inconvenience of an entire family sleeping in one room. This is the setting for one of his parables. A family had just gone to bed when a friend knocked at the door to ask food for an unexpected visitor. The owner of the house was annoyed at having to get up at such an inconvenient hour, but because of the friend's persistence he gave the man what he wanted.
The point of the parable is that if even a tired and unwilling householder could be persuaded by a friend's persistence, how much more would a loving Father respond to the requests of his children. God's children do not have to beg from an unwilling Father.
To reassure people of this, Jesus gave another family illustration. The heavenly Father will not give his children anything less than what is best for them. If they ask for a fish he will not give them a snake; if they ask for an egg, he will not give them a scorpion. They may not always receive exactly what they want (for a wise parent does not give children everything they ask for), but they can be sure he will never give them anything that is inferior or harmful.
- Don Fleming, Parables and Pictures
Link: The Fatherhood of God (21 Jun 10)
"Then the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.' I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs.
"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
"Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
- Luke 11:5-13 (NIV)
Jesus had at least four younger brothers and two younger sisters, which meant he grew up in a house of many children. His was not a wealthy home, and he no doubt knew the inconvenience of an entire family sleeping in one room. This is the setting for one of his parables. A family had just gone to bed when a friend knocked at the door to ask food for an unexpected visitor. The owner of the house was annoyed at having to get up at such an inconvenient hour, but because of the friend's persistence he gave the man what he wanted.
The point of the parable is that if even a tired and unwilling householder could be persuaded by a friend's persistence, how much more would a loving Father respond to the requests of his children. God's children do not have to beg from an unwilling Father.
To reassure people of this, Jesus gave another family illustration. The heavenly Father will not give his children anything less than what is best for them. If they ask for a fish he will not give them a snake; if they ask for an egg, he will not give them a scorpion. They may not always receive exactly what they want (for a wise parent does not give children everything they ask for), but they can be sure he will never give them anything that is inferior or harmful.
- Don Fleming, Parables and Pictures
Link: The Fatherhood of God (21 Jun 10)
Wednesday, 1 September 2010
Aug 22 to 31
Aug 22: "For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war." - 2 Chronicles 16:9 (NIV)
Aug 23: "He told them, "Consider carefully what you do, because you are not judging for man but for the LORD, who is with you whenever you give a verdict. Now let the fear of the LORD be upon you. Judge carefully, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery."" - 2 Chronicles 19:6-7 (NIV)
Aug 24: "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain." - 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)
Aug 25: "Do everything in love." - 1 Corinthians 16:14 (NIV)
Aug 26: "Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead." - 2 Corinthians 1:9 (NIV)
Aug 27: "Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced at what God had brought about for his people, because it was done so quickly." - 2 Chronicles 29:36 (NIV)
Aug 28: "In everything that he undertook in the service of God's temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered." - 2 Chronicles 31:21 (NIV)
Aug 29: "He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant - not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." - 2 Corinthians 3:6 (NIV)
Aug 30: "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." - 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)
Aug 31: "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." - 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)
Aug 23: "He told them, "Consider carefully what you do, because you are not judging for man but for the LORD, who is with you whenever you give a verdict. Now let the fear of the LORD be upon you. Judge carefully, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery."" - 2 Chronicles 19:6-7 (NIV)
Aug 24: "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain." - 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)
Aug 25: "Do everything in love." - 1 Corinthians 16:14 (NIV)
Aug 26: "Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead." - 2 Corinthians 1:9 (NIV)
Aug 27: "Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced at what God had brought about for his people, because it was done so quickly." - 2 Chronicles 29:36 (NIV)
Aug 28: "In everything that he undertook in the service of God's temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered." - 2 Chronicles 31:21 (NIV)
Aug 29: "He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant - not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." - 2 Corinthians 3:6 (NIV)
Aug 30: "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." - 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)
Aug 31: "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." - 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)
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