Job 25:1-6 ESV
(1) Then Bildad the Shuhite answered and said:
(2) "Dominion and fear are with God; he makes peace in his high heaven.
(3) Is there any number to his armies? Upon whom does his light not arise?
(4) How then can man be in the right before God? How can he who is born of woman be pure?
(5) Behold, even the moon is not bright, and the stars are not pure in his eyes;
(6) how much less man, who is a maggot, and the son of man, who is a worm!"
We have to be careful when we quote Job's friends. They usually speak the truth, but they don't always understand what they're saying or how it applies to the situation. However, I think that we can take Bildad's counsel to heart for something glorious in our lives.
If we are in Christ we should be fully aware of our sinfulness apart from His atoning work. We have no way of being pure or right before God. And yet in His mercy He chose to set us free by dying on the cross for our sins.
We are maggots apart from grace, amen?
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Back in the Race
Sorry for not posting yesterday. I'm back in the groove with school. I've got Hebrew on Mondays and New Testament on Tuesdays. I think I'm looking forward to Hebrew more than NT, but I do think I have a good paper topic in mind for NT. I plan on writing on text-critical criteria.
Ever notice how your Bible sometimes has passages in brackets with a footnote like "the oldest manuscripts do not contain..." the passage name? You will find this particularly in John 8 and the woman caught in adultery as well as in the end of Mark. There are thousands of other small ones throughout the New Testament too. Our English Bible translators have already dealt with these issues. I want to know how they did it so I can come up with my own opinion. Otherwise I'm just trusting the opinions of my translators.
I'm excited to work on my Hebrew homework. It's pretty easy so far, which is nice. I think I'm already prepared for my first quiz because I tried to get ahead. Hopefully I can stay ahead so the tests will be a breeze. We're having 4 tests this semester. I think this is a good thing, but it will require much diligence.
Ever notice how your Bible sometimes has passages in brackets with a footnote like "the oldest manuscripts do not contain..." the passage name? You will find this particularly in John 8 and the woman caught in adultery as well as in the end of Mark. There are thousands of other small ones throughout the New Testament too. Our English Bible translators have already dealt with these issues. I want to know how they did it so I can come up with my own opinion. Otherwise I'm just trusting the opinions of my translators.
I'm excited to work on my Hebrew homework. It's pretty easy so far, which is nice. I think I'm already prepared for my first quiz because I tried to get ahead. Hopefully I can stay ahead so the tests will be a breeze. We're having 4 tests this semester. I think this is a good thing, but it will require much diligence.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Counting the Cost
Luke 14:25-33 ESV
(25) Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them,
(26) "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.
(27) Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.
(28) For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?
(29) Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him,
(30) saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.'
(31) Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand?
(32) And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace.
(33) So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.
It pains me to see the weak and superficial faith of so many in the church. I know that I had a "faith" like that for a long time too. I think one of the reasons is the lack of teaching on this passage. We like to get people to "pray a prayer," "make a decision," or "walk an aisle." However, are these real conversion experiences?
The gospel is sometimes presented like receiving a free house. It is true that a forgiven mortgage is a great metaphor for what happened at the cross with the atoning death of Christ. However, what we sometimes fail to mention is that while we may get a free house, we also become slaves to the person who bought our mortgage.
Now the big difference is that slavery to Christ is a lot different than slavery to Citi Mortgage. Christ is a perfect Lord for our lives, so this is a good thing. However, I think that more needs to be said about this when we present the gospel. Otherwise we are guilty of a terrible bait and switch. It is no wonder that so many "lose their faith" if their faith never had roots to begin with.
(25) Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them,
(26) "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.
(27) Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.
(28) For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?
(29) Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him,
(30) saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.'
(31) Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand?
(32) And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace.
(33) So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.
It pains me to see the weak and superficial faith of so many in the church. I know that I had a "faith" like that for a long time too. I think one of the reasons is the lack of teaching on this passage. We like to get people to "pray a prayer," "make a decision," or "walk an aisle." However, are these real conversion experiences?
The gospel is sometimes presented like receiving a free house. It is true that a forgiven mortgage is a great metaphor for what happened at the cross with the atoning death of Christ. However, what we sometimes fail to mention is that while we may get a free house, we also become slaves to the person who bought our mortgage.
Now the big difference is that slavery to Christ is a lot different than slavery to Citi Mortgage. Christ is a perfect Lord for our lives, so this is a good thing. However, I think that more needs to be said about this when we present the gospel. Otherwise we are guilty of a terrible bait and switch. It is no wonder that so many "lose their faith" if their faith never had roots to begin with.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Open Theism
Psalms 47:1-9 ESV
(1) To the choirmaster. A Psalm of the Sons of Korah. Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!
(2) For the LORD, the Most High, is to be feared, a great king over all the earth.
(3) He subdued peoples under us, and nations under our feet.
(4) He chose our heritage for us, the pride of Jacob whom he loves. Selah.
(5) God has gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.
(6) Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises!
(7) For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with a psalm!
(8) God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne.
(9) The princes of the peoples gather as the people of the God of Abraham. For the shields of the earth belong to God; he is highly exalted!
How can anyone subscribe to open theism unless this Psalm doesn't exist in their Bibles? Maybe I just don't understand open theism well enough, but to me it sounds like we are trying to put man on the throne. I don't want to be on the throne. God will do a better job.
(1) To the choirmaster. A Psalm of the Sons of Korah. Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!
(2) For the LORD, the Most High, is to be feared, a great king over all the earth.
(3) He subdued peoples under us, and nations under our feet.
(4) He chose our heritage for us, the pride of Jacob whom he loves. Selah.
(5) God has gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.
(6) Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises!
(7) For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with a psalm!
(8) God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne.
(9) The princes of the peoples gather as the people of the God of Abraham. For the shields of the earth belong to God; he is highly exalted!
How can anyone subscribe to open theism unless this Psalm doesn't exist in their Bibles? Maybe I just don't understand open theism well enough, but to me it sounds like we are trying to put man on the throne. I don't want to be on the throne. God will do a better job.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Where is the Emphasis?
Luke 9:18-27 ESV
(18) Now it happened that as he was praying alone, the disciples were with him. And he asked them, "Who do the crowds say that I am?"
(19) And they answered, "John the Baptist. But others say, Elijah, and others, that one of the prophets of old has risen."
(20) Then he said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" And Peter answered, "The Christ of God."
(21) And he strictly charged and commanded them to tell this to no one,
(22) saying, "The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised."
(23) And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
(24) For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.
(25) For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?
(26) For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
(27) But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God."
I want to make a doctrinal point today. Notice that this passage has a parallel in Matthew 16:13-20. The Roman Catholic Church takes the passage in Matthew to justify their belief in apostolic succession. In other words, Jesus made Peter the first pope and the rest have that authority as true apostles.
Why didn't Luke make a big deal about that? Here was a prime opportunity to reaffirm a key doctrinal point, right? Why didn't he emphasize it?
I think that arguing from silence is not particularly strong, but here the silence seems to shout.
(18) Now it happened that as he was praying alone, the disciples were with him. And he asked them, "Who do the crowds say that I am?"
(19) And they answered, "John the Baptist. But others say, Elijah, and others, that one of the prophets of old has risen."
(20) Then he said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" And Peter answered, "The Christ of God."
(21) And he strictly charged and commanded them to tell this to no one,
(22) saying, "The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised."
(23) And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
(24) For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.
(25) For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?
(26) For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
(27) But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God."
I want to make a doctrinal point today. Notice that this passage has a parallel in Matthew 16:13-20. The Roman Catholic Church takes the passage in Matthew to justify their belief in apostolic succession. In other words, Jesus made Peter the first pope and the rest have that authority as true apostles.
Why didn't Luke make a big deal about that? Here was a prime opportunity to reaffirm a key doctrinal point, right? Why didn't he emphasize it?
I think that arguing from silence is not particularly strong, but here the silence seems to shout.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Return of the King
Here is a little taste of what it will look like when Jesus comes back:
Psalms 45:3-6 ESV
(3) Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one, in your splendor and majesty!
(4) In your majesty ride out victoriously for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness; let your right hand teach you awesome deeds!
(5) Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; the peoples fall under you.
(6) Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness;
Quite a far cry from the hippie Jesus we often see portrayed, isn't it? This Jesus doesn't sound like an effeminate looking Englishman in a pink dress, does He? Make no mistake -- He is coming back. I want to be on His side in the final battle.
Psalms 45:3-6 ESV
(3) Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one, in your splendor and majesty!
(4) In your majesty ride out victoriously for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness; let your right hand teach you awesome deeds!
(5) Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; the peoples fall under you.
(6) Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness;
Quite a far cry from the hippie Jesus we often see portrayed, isn't it? This Jesus doesn't sound like an effeminate looking Englishman in a pink dress, does He? Make no mistake -- He is coming back. I want to be on His side in the final battle.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Today's Tozer
This smacked me up one side and down the other.
Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who continually goes
forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again
with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
--Psalm 126:5-6
The testimony of the true follower of Christ might well be something
like this: The world's pleasures and the world's treasures
henceforth have no appeal for me. I reckon myself crucified to the
world and the world crucified to me. But the multitudes that were so
dear to Christ shall not be less dear to me. If I cannot prevent
their moral suicide, I shall at least baptize them with my human
tears. I want no blessing that I cannot share. I seek no
spirituality that I must win at the cost of forgetting that men and
women are lost and without hope. If in spite of all I can do they
will sin against light and bring upon themselves the displeasure of
a holy God, then I must not let them go their sad way unwept. I
scorn a happiness that I must purchase with ignorance. I reject a
heaven that I must enter by shutting my eyes to the sufferings of my
fellow men. I choose a broken heart rather than any happiness that
ignores the tragedy of human life and human death. Though I, through
the grace of God in Christ, no longer lie under Adam's sin, I would
still feel a bond of compassion for all of Adam's tragic race, and
I am determined that I shall go down to the grave or up into God's
heaven mourning for the lost and the perishing.
Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who continually goes
forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again
with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
--Psalm 126:5-6
The testimony of the true follower of Christ might well be something
like this: The world's pleasures and the world's treasures
henceforth have no appeal for me. I reckon myself crucified to the
world and the world crucified to me. But the multitudes that were so
dear to Christ shall not be less dear to me. If I cannot prevent
their moral suicide, I shall at least baptize them with my human
tears. I want no blessing that I cannot share. I seek no
spirituality that I must win at the cost of forgetting that men and
women are lost and without hope. If in spite of all I can do they
will sin against light and bring upon themselves the displeasure of
a holy God, then I must not let them go their sad way unwept. I
scorn a happiness that I must purchase with ignorance. I reject a
heaven that I must enter by shutting my eyes to the sufferings of my
fellow men. I choose a broken heart rather than any happiness that
ignores the tragedy of human life and human death. Though I, through
the grace of God in Christ, no longer lie under Adam's sin, I would
still feel a bond of compassion for all of Adam's tragic race, and
I am determined that I shall go down to the grave or up into God's
heaven mourning for the lost and the perishing.
Day 18
I thought I'd post a quick update. I started walking again last Wednesday and that went so well that I tried jogging yesterday. That too went well, though I haven't pushed myself back to my former mileage yet. Both yesterday's and today's runs were good. I'm back to boxers. I'm not all itchy and chafey any more.
Once again I want to reiterate that this whole experience has not been too bad. Any man who forces his wife to get her tubes tied rather than go through this needs to take a long hard look in the mirror. This is especially true for any man who has any thoughts of obeying Ephesians 5:25-31.
Once again I want to reiterate that this whole experience has not been too bad. Any man who forces his wife to get her tubes tied rather than go through this needs to take a long hard look in the mirror. This is especially true for any man who has any thoughts of obeying Ephesians 5:25-31.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Lead Me Lord
Psalms 43:3-4 ESV
(3) Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling!
(4) Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy, and I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God.
This little passage seems to contain a key for me. One thing I have hungered for lately is more joy in the Lord. I have prayed along with David that I want a return of the joy of my salvation. I wonder sometimes if I am just chasing an ecstatic experience. Maybe I should try a Pentecostal church?
At any rate, I think that there is a deep peace and joy that Scripture promises us. God provides it for us through His Word. We get to go to Him through Christ. What more could there be in life?
This is something I need to remember more and more. It's easy to forget and become dissatisfied. If I am in Christ (and I think I am) then what more could there be?
Incidentally, note Psalm 42:11 and Psalm 43:5. I think a good argument can be made that these should be read together.
(3) Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling!
(4) Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy, and I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God.
This little passage seems to contain a key for me. One thing I have hungered for lately is more joy in the Lord. I have prayed along with David that I want a return of the joy of my salvation. I wonder sometimes if I am just chasing an ecstatic experience. Maybe I should try a Pentecostal church?
At any rate, I think that there is a deep peace and joy that Scripture promises us. God provides it for us through His Word. We get to go to Him through Christ. What more could there be in life?
This is something I need to remember more and more. It's easy to forget and become dissatisfied. If I am in Christ (and I think I am) then what more could there be?
Incidentally, note Psalm 42:11 and Psalm 43:5. I think a good argument can be made that these should be read together.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
How Much Reverence?
Luke 5:8 ESV
(8) But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord."
This happened after the miraculous catch of fish. They had been fishing all night with no results. Jesus told them to cast the net on the other side and then they had so much that the boat started to sink. Peter realized he was in the presence of deity and this was his reaction.
This to me is the heart of our response to the gospel. Do we think that we are basically OK? Do we think that God is lucky to have us on His team? Or do we realize the depth of our own sinfulness and our complete inability to come to the Lord apart from His grace?
I know that I am often too familiar with God. Of course, He is now our Abba (daddy), so we do not need to fear Him like this. However, do we have the proper reverence?
(8) But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord."
This happened after the miraculous catch of fish. They had been fishing all night with no results. Jesus told them to cast the net on the other side and then they had so much that the boat started to sink. Peter realized he was in the presence of deity and this was his reaction.
This to me is the heart of our response to the gospel. Do we think that we are basically OK? Do we think that God is lucky to have us on His team? Or do we realize the depth of our own sinfulness and our complete inability to come to the Lord apart from His grace?
I know that I am often too familiar with God. Of course, He is now our Abba (daddy), so we do not need to fear Him like this. However, do we have the proper reverence?
Friday, August 15, 2008
Foreshadowing
What does this remind you of?
Psalms 41:7-9 ESV
(7) All who hate me whisper together about me; they imagine the worst for me.
(8) They say, "A deadly thing is poured out on him; he will not rise again from where he lies."
(9) Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.
It's pretty incredible that so many of these foreshadowings in the Old Testament have clear fulfillment in the new. That doesn't even account for clear prophecies of Jesus. There are two ways to think about these fulfillments. One is that the New Testament was written so that it would appear like the Old was fulfilled. The other is to believe that it actually happened.
I worship a God who is sovereign and can make prophecies come true. I hope you do too.
Psalms 41:7-9 ESV
(7) All who hate me whisper together about me; they imagine the worst for me.
(8) They say, "A deadly thing is poured out on him; he will not rise again from where he lies."
(9) Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.
It's pretty incredible that so many of these foreshadowings in the Old Testament have clear fulfillment in the new. That doesn't even account for clear prophecies of Jesus. There are two ways to think about these fulfillments. One is that the New Testament was written so that it would appear like the Old was fulfilled. The other is to believe that it actually happened.
I worship a God who is sovereign and can make prophecies come true. I hope you do too.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Politically Incorrect
Nehemiah 13:1-3 ESV
(1) On that day they read from the Book of Moses in the hearing of the people. And in it was found written that no Ammonite or Moabite should ever enter the assembly of God,
(2) for they did not meet the people of Israel with bread and water, but hired Balaam against them to curse them--yet our God turned the curse into a blessing.
(3) As soon as the people heard the law, they separated from Israel all those of foreign descent.
Nehemiah was quite a reformer. He took the dilapidated city walls of Jerusalem and rebuilt them. He also restored proper worship in the temple. This passage really struck me this morning as it pertains to our church today.
I do not think that it should be taken to mean that we must separate ourselves from people who are different than us. I think today's application is that we need to be serious about the Word of God. The New Testament gives some lists of sins that God takes pretty seriously. For example:
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 ESV
(9) Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,
(10) nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
(11) And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
It can't be any clearer, can it? Now this is not to say that we should kick out anyone who practices these things. They need to hear the gospel. However, if they are going to profess Christ then they (we) need to be working on this. It seems clear to me that these people certainly should not be in leadership in a church. How can it be more obvious?
Yet we have things like the Episcopal church making an openly gay man a bishop. We have greedy televangelists who lead so many astray with their "ministries."
What can be done about this? Let's take God's Word seriously, amen?
(1) On that day they read from the Book of Moses in the hearing of the people. And in it was found written that no Ammonite or Moabite should ever enter the assembly of God,
(2) for they did not meet the people of Israel with bread and water, but hired Balaam against them to curse them--yet our God turned the curse into a blessing.
(3) As soon as the people heard the law, they separated from Israel all those of foreign descent.
Nehemiah was quite a reformer. He took the dilapidated city walls of Jerusalem and rebuilt them. He also restored proper worship in the temple. This passage really struck me this morning as it pertains to our church today.
I do not think that it should be taken to mean that we must separate ourselves from people who are different than us. I think today's application is that we need to be serious about the Word of God. The New Testament gives some lists of sins that God takes pretty seriously. For example:
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 ESV
(9) Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,
(10) nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
(11) And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
It can't be any clearer, can it? Now this is not to say that we should kick out anyone who practices these things. They need to hear the gospel. However, if they are going to profess Christ then they (we) need to be working on this. It seems clear to me that these people certainly should not be in leadership in a church. How can it be more obvious?
Yet we have things like the Episcopal church making an openly gay man a bishop. We have greedy televangelists who lead so many astray with their "ministries."
What can be done about this? Let's take God's Word seriously, amen?
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Shortness of Life
Can you pray this with David?
Psalms 39:4 ESV
(4) "O LORD, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am!
David wanted a keen sense of how short this life is in contrast to the eternal glory that awaited him upon his death. This psalm is about David's desire to hold his tongue. He wanted God to sanctify him and he knew that having an understanding of the insignificance of this life would be part of that.
I contrast this to a couple of my coworkers who are afraid to talk about death. What I realize is that it is pretty normal to be afraid if you don't have any real hope? It's a bit of a cliche, but I think that the "Know Jesus, know peace; no Jesus, no peace" line is definitely true.
Do you know Him?
Psalms 39:4 ESV
(4) "O LORD, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am!
David wanted a keen sense of how short this life is in contrast to the eternal glory that awaited him upon his death. This psalm is about David's desire to hold his tongue. He wanted God to sanctify him and he knew that having an understanding of the insignificance of this life would be part of that.
I contrast this to a couple of my coworkers who are afraid to talk about death. What I realize is that it is pretty normal to be afraid if you don't have any real hope? It's a bit of a cliche, but I think that the "Know Jesus, know peace; no Jesus, no peace" line is definitely true.
Do you know Him?
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Almost There...
I just need to stay on target. I'm taking my last Old Testament test tomorrow afternoon. I did the last quiz tonight. I hope to watch the last lecture tomorrow and do the last paper on Thursday.
It would be really great to have over a week off before classes begin again. I just have some reading to do to get ready for the next semester, but I can do that at lunch.
It would be really great to have over a week off before classes begin again. I just have some reading to do to get ready for the next semester, but I can do that at lunch.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
On the Osteens
This is a great post about the drama surrounding Victoria Osteen's current litigation.
Prosperity Tension
I just finished reading Psalm 37 as part of my morning reading. Verses 25 and 26 struck me:
Psalms 37:25-26 ESV
(25) I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.
(26) He is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing.
Does this mean that the prosperity preachers are right? Does this mean that if we are righteous we should never have any physical need? Is it impossible to be righteous and find yourself poor and hungry?
If so, this would be a great tension with the rest of Scripture. It would mean that Paul was doing something unrighteous at some point:
Philippians 4:10-13 ESV
(10) I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.
(11) Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.
(12) I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.
(13) I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
While he would certainly admit to sin, I don't think he would say that the hunger and need came from living that way. This is especially true if he was looking to Christ for his strength to get through those times.
So what do we do with this little passage? Fortunately, the Psalm itself helps us out:
Psalms 37:35-40 ESV
(35) I have seen a wicked, ruthless man, spreading himself like a green laurel tree.
(36) But he passed away, and behold, he was no more; though I sought him, he could not be found.
(37) Mark the blameless and behold the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace.
(38) But transgressors shall be altogether destroyed; the future of the wicked shall be cut off.
(39) The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble.
(40) The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.
Ultimately, this Psalm is about salvation. It is about true deliverance and true provision in our lives. So while David did see the righteous able to loan out money and provide for his family, I don't think it means that we should have an expectation of that. Instead, I think that our guarantee is in salvation. After all, the only way we can meet the standards of true righteousness is through the atoning work of Christ, right?
Psalms 37:25-26 ESV
(25) I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.
(26) He is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing.
Does this mean that the prosperity preachers are right? Does this mean that if we are righteous we should never have any physical need? Is it impossible to be righteous and find yourself poor and hungry?
If so, this would be a great tension with the rest of Scripture. It would mean that Paul was doing something unrighteous at some point:
Philippians 4:10-13 ESV
(10) I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.
(11) Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.
(12) I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.
(13) I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
While he would certainly admit to sin, I don't think he would say that the hunger and need came from living that way. This is especially true if he was looking to Christ for his strength to get through those times.
So what do we do with this little passage? Fortunately, the Psalm itself helps us out:
Psalms 37:35-40 ESV
(35) I have seen a wicked, ruthless man, spreading himself like a green laurel tree.
(36) But he passed away, and behold, he was no more; though I sought him, he could not be found.
(37) Mark the blameless and behold the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace.
(38) But transgressors shall be altogether destroyed; the future of the wicked shall be cut off.
(39) The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble.
(40) The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.
Ultimately, this Psalm is about salvation. It is about true deliverance and true provision in our lives. So while David did see the righteous able to loan out money and provide for his family, I don't think it means that we should have an expectation of that. Instead, I think that our guarantee is in salvation. After all, the only way we can meet the standards of true righteousness is through the atoning work of Christ, right?
Friday, August 08, 2008
Can We Say This?
Habakkuk 3:17-19 ESV
(17) Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls,
(18) yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
(19) GOD, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places. To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments.
I'm not sure that I have that kind of faith. However, this is a picture of what saving faith looks like. Wow.
(17) Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls,
(18) yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
(19) GOD, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places. To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments.
I'm not sure that I have that kind of faith. However, this is a picture of what saving faith looks like. Wow.
Doing Our Part
Nehemiah 4:9 ESV
(9) And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night.
To give a little context, this verse is in the middle of Nehemiah's wall rebuilding project. He heard reports that there was opposition to the work and was afraid for their safety and that of the project. This verse really stood out to me this morning because I think it really speaks to the balance we need to have in our lives.
Prayer is vitally important. We can do nothing apart from the work of the Spirit in our lives. However, we also can't just sit back and wait for God to zap our lives into order. We have a part to play too. It's important that they prayed for protection, but it was also important for them to set up a guard.
Personally, I'm more likely to just set up a guard and forget to pray. Others may be more likely to pray and not do anything else. I think this passage shows the need to do both.
(9) And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night.
To give a little context, this verse is in the middle of Nehemiah's wall rebuilding project. He heard reports that there was opposition to the work and was afraid for their safety and that of the project. This verse really stood out to me this morning because I think it really speaks to the balance we need to have in our lives.
Prayer is vitally important. We can do nothing apart from the work of the Spirit in our lives. However, we also can't just sit back and wait for God to zap our lives into order. We have a part to play too. It's important that they prayed for protection, but it was also important for them to set up a guard.
Personally, I'm more likely to just set up a guard and forget to pray. Others may be more likely to pray and not do anything else. I think this passage shows the need to do both.
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Deliverance
Psalms 34:19-22 ESV
(19) Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.
(20) He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.
(21) Affliction will slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.
(22) The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.
If all we had was verse 19 then I might be tempted to buy into the prosperity gospel. However, as this passage continues I see that it does not mean quite what some would have us think this means. Yes, the Lord will deliver His people from their afflictions, which will be many. How will He do it though? Will He deliver us here and now?
He might, but that is not what this passage tells me. Verses 21 and 22 tell me that this has an eternal perspective. Our hope is not for deliverance in the here and now, but in the future. We don't have to worry about our ultimate destination because of the assurance this passage gives us.
As I learned this past weekend, some temporary discomfort is not that difficult to bear if we can see a future payoff. I think the Christian life is all about the future payoff.
(19) Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.
(20) He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.
(21) Affliction will slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.
(22) The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.
If all we had was verse 19 then I might be tempted to buy into the prosperity gospel. However, as this passage continues I see that it does not mean quite what some would have us think this means. Yes, the Lord will deliver His people from their afflictions, which will be many. How will He do it though? Will He deliver us here and now?
He might, but that is not what this passage tells me. Verses 21 and 22 tell me that this has an eternal perspective. Our hope is not for deliverance in the here and now, but in the future. We don't have to worry about our ultimate destination because of the assurance this passage gives us.
As I learned this past weekend, some temporary discomfort is not that difficult to bear if we can see a future payoff. I think the Christian life is all about the future payoff.
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
The Gospel in Ezra
I came across this today:
Ezra 9:10-15 ESV
(10) "And now, O our God, what shall we say after this? For we have forsaken your commandments,
(11) which you commanded by your servants the prophets, saying, 'The land that you are entering, to take possession of it, is a land impure with the impurity of the peoples of the lands, with their abominations that have filled it from end to end with their uncleanness.
(12) Therefore do not give your daughters to their sons, neither take their daughters for your sons, and never seek their peace or prosperity, that you may be strong and eat the good of the land and leave it for an inheritance to your children forever.'
(13) And after all that has come upon us for our evil deeds and for our great guilt, seeing that you, our God, have punished us less than our iniquities deserved and have given us such a remnant as this,
(14) shall we break your commandments again and intermarry with the peoples who practice these abominations? Would you not be angry with us until you consumed us, so that there should be no remnant, nor any to escape?
(15) O LORD the God of Israel, you are just, for we are left a remnant that has escaped, as it is today. Behold, we are before you in our guilt, for none can stand before you because of this."
Note verse 13. Ezra had a pretty keen awareness of the people's guilt that was balanced with his awareness of the holiness of God. His understanding of God's holiness led him to say this.
Note verse 14. Ezra didn't want the people to presume on God's grace. In verse 15 He recognizes God's grace in allowing a remnant to escape. he also recognizes that God is just in doing what He promised He would do.
There is a lot in this little passage to consider. It inspires me to see God as Ezra did. It also inspires me to think about God's attributes and to marvel at them. God is both holy and merciful. I know that I'm glad He is not merely just!
Ezra 9:10-15 ESV
(10) "And now, O our God, what shall we say after this? For we have forsaken your commandments,
(11) which you commanded by your servants the prophets, saying, 'The land that you are entering, to take possession of it, is a land impure with the impurity of the peoples of the lands, with their abominations that have filled it from end to end with their uncleanness.
(12) Therefore do not give your daughters to their sons, neither take their daughters for your sons, and never seek their peace or prosperity, that you may be strong and eat the good of the land and leave it for an inheritance to your children forever.'
(13) And after all that has come upon us for our evil deeds and for our great guilt, seeing that you, our God, have punished us less than our iniquities deserved and have given us such a remnant as this,
(14) shall we break your commandments again and intermarry with the peoples who practice these abominations? Would you not be angry with us until you consumed us, so that there should be no remnant, nor any to escape?
(15) O LORD the God of Israel, you are just, for we are left a remnant that has escaped, as it is today. Behold, we are before you in our guilt, for none can stand before you because of this."
Note verse 13. Ezra had a pretty keen awareness of the people's guilt that was balanced with his awareness of the holiness of God. His understanding of God's holiness led him to say this.
Note verse 14. Ezra didn't want the people to presume on God's grace. In verse 15 He recognizes God's grace in allowing a remnant to escape. he also recognizes that God is just in doing what He promised He would do.
There is a lot in this little passage to consider. It inspires me to see God as Ezra did. It also inspires me to think about God's attributes and to marvel at them. God is both holy and merciful. I know that I'm glad He is not merely just!
Monday, August 04, 2008
Day 4 - Afternoon
I think this is going to be my last entry with this tag for a while. There isn't anything exciting to report. Everything feels really good. I'm still trying to take it easy, but it feels good. No ice or Motrin required.
I'm going to resist the temptation to mow the lawn for a couple of days though. I may do a milk run to Sam's Club later though.
I'll probably post when I can start jogging again. I don't plan to do any fast walking until Friday. If all goes well over the weekend with walking I may try running again next Monday.
I'm going to resist the temptation to mow the lawn for a couple of days though. I may do a milk run to Sam's Club later though.
I'll probably post when I can start jogging again. I don't plan to do any fast walking until Friday. If all goes well over the weekend with walking I may try running again next Monday.
Day 4 - Morning
Put the jock back on last night before bed and am still wearing it. It seems to make a difference. I haven't taken any Motrin this morning and am doing fine. I get a little twinge here and there, but nothing major. I think I'm over the worst of it.
Now the key will be remembering to take it easy.
Now the key will be remembering to take it easy.
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Day 3 - Evening
I just put Lily to bed and things are going pretty well. There is some sort of "sting" down there. It's like I can feel the tubes healing from where they were cut. The general soreness seems to have gone for the most part. Ice helps, but not as much as it did at first. It's a different kind of pain now. I plan to take some Motrin before bed.
Going to church may have been a mistake. I haven't been quite as sedentary as I planned today, but I haven't been wrestling with the kids either. I'm glad I get to work from home tomorrow. I hope that the soreness will have gone down by the end of the day tomorrow so that it will be pretty painless in the office on Tuesday.
I am very glad for the briefs that we bought.
Going to church may have been a mistake. I haven't been quite as sedentary as I planned today, but I haven't been wrestling with the kids either. I'm glad I get to work from home tomorrow. I hope that the soreness will have gone down by the end of the day tomorrow so that it will be pretty painless in the office on Tuesday.
I am very glad for the briefs that we bought.
Day 3 - Morning
I was a little sore when I woke up this morning, but nothing terrible. I took some Motrin and did my morning quiet time with the ice pack on. I sat at my computer for about 90 minutes while doing some work and it wasn't bad. I've since shaved and showered which makes a world of difference in how I feel.
I've decided I'm going to go to church today. Hopefully this isn't the stupid thing that will set me back several days in my recovery.
I plan to resume normal blogging when this is all behind me. Forgive this series, but I wanted it to be out there for other guys who may be going through this. I know that I appreciated the online journals of men who have blazed this trail before.
I've decided I'm going to go to church today. Hopefully this isn't the stupid thing that will set me back several days in my recovery.
I plan to resume normal blogging when this is all behind me. Forgive this series, but I wanted it to be out there for other guys who may be going through this. I know that I appreciated the online journals of men who have blazed this trail before.
Saturday, August 02, 2008
Day 2 - Night
It's been a good day. The most strenuous thing I did was work with Lily to water the tomato plants. She did most of the work. All I had to do was turn the water on and off and recoil the hose.
The second most strenuous thing I did was fry the quesadillas for dinner. I started to work on sundaes, but Amanda heard me grunting a bit and sent me to the living room. The ice packs have been my friends.
I got a lot of reading done today. The only pain med I've used has been Motrin. I hope for another smooth day tomorrow. I may even get crazy and take a shower. I wouldn't mind shedding this jock in favor of the briefs Amanda got me.
So far, so good. As long as I don't do anything stupid tomorrow I think I'll be good for the office on Tuesday. I'm not looking forward to the hair growing back in. I'm looking forward to it being back, but not the process of growing hair back on a place that has a zillion nerves in it.
The second most strenuous thing I did was fry the quesadillas for dinner. I started to work on sundaes, but Amanda heard me grunting a bit and sent me to the living room. The ice packs have been my friends.
I got a lot of reading done today. The only pain med I've used has been Motrin. I hope for another smooth day tomorrow. I may even get crazy and take a shower. I wouldn't mind shedding this jock in favor of the briefs Amanda got me.
So far, so good. As long as I don't do anything stupid tomorrow I think I'll be good for the office on Tuesday. I'm not looking forward to the hair growing back in. I'm looking forward to it being back, but not the process of growing hair back on a place that has a zillion nerves in it.
Day 2 - Quick Thought
There is a sort of subtle line early in the movie "Stripes." As Bill Murray's character is loading luggage into his cab he does something that makes him say, "Oh, my balls! Oh, my balls..."
I just keep thinking about that...
I just keep thinking about that...
Day 2 - Morning
Things have gone pretty well so far. I woke up with a little bit of a percocet hangover and slept in a bit (5:15). I got up and did my morning reading and checked my email. I caught up on some blogs that I hadn't read yesterday. I've finished my Greek vocab for the day. It's been a productive couple of hours
I'm trying to get by with just ibuprofen rather than taking any more percocet. I want to be lucid in my convalescence. I had stopped icing at around 7:00, but have since decided that 45 minutes is too long without ice. It doesn't exactly hurt, but it is uncomfortable. It's mostly kind of a dull ache. I also am now getting a better feel for where the internal incisions are. I can feel a little bit of stinging in there. Still, it's nothing too unbearable. I could comfortably sit and read, which is what I wanted.
I'm hoping to get through at least one class lecture this weekend, if not two. I have some more reading to do first though. It would be great if I could have my class done by the end of next week.
I'm trying to get by with just ibuprofen rather than taking any more percocet. I want to be lucid in my convalescence. I had stopped icing at around 7:00, but have since decided that 45 minutes is too long without ice. It doesn't exactly hurt, but it is uncomfortable. It's mostly kind of a dull ache. I also am now getting a better feel for where the internal incisions are. I can feel a little bit of stinging in there. Still, it's nothing too unbearable. I could comfortably sit and read, which is what I wanted.
I'm hoping to get through at least one class lecture this weekend, if not two. I have some more reading to do first though. It would be great if I could have my class done by the end of next week.
Friday, August 01, 2008
Day 1
Today is day 1 for a couple of things. First, I am now officially no longer a part of Setting Captives Free. I am leaving on good terms with the leadership. My attitude is such that right now I just cannot submit to their authority the way I should. I think some spiritual pride is creeping in from my studies. What I'm trying to decide is where pride ends and discernment begins.
Today is also day 1 of me no longer being able to sow seed. I want to chronicle what the experience has been like. I took a good hard run this morning as I know I won't be able to run for a couple of weeks. The first real challenge of the day came in the shower. I have a newfound respect for male porn stars as shaving that area is not trivial. Plus, it feels really weird to walk around as it really itches. That was before the surgery.
I had a very rushed pre-op hour. I stopped at Chick Fil-A to grab food, ran home, took my valium, changed into shorts, and met Tiffany and Brenna to swap vehicles. Amanda and I went to the doctor's office. I don't think I had to wait 5 minutes before I got called back. I took off my clothes from the waist down, wrapped a sheet around me, and walked to the room. The nurse washed me down with betadyne, which was very ticklish and cold. After a few minutes the doctor came in.
I'd say the most unpleasant part of the whole procedure was getting the 3 shots of novacaine. It was very weird as he sort of pushed around down there to make sure that the novacaine worked its way around the "works." The procedure itself did not hurt. In fact, I don't think I even felt any tugging. We were back in the car by around 1:30, which is pretty good considering we got to the office at 12:45.
Amanda got me a shake at Chick Fil-A like she gets a treat for Lily when she is brave at the doctor. We got home and I went upstairs to bed with my ice pack. I took a couple of percocet and had a nice nap. We watched Star Wars Episode I as a family and now I'm down here blogging. I figure it's about time for more percocet and bed.
I feel kind of a dull ache right now and I hope the percocet will help with that. I'm pretty sure it will help me to sleep. I plan to take it real easy tomorrow and Sunday too. I'll keep blogging abou the recovery experience.
Today is also day 1 of me no longer being able to sow seed. I want to chronicle what the experience has been like. I took a good hard run this morning as I know I won't be able to run for a couple of weeks. The first real challenge of the day came in the shower. I have a newfound respect for male porn stars as shaving that area is not trivial. Plus, it feels really weird to walk around as it really itches. That was before the surgery.
I had a very rushed pre-op hour. I stopped at Chick Fil-A to grab food, ran home, took my valium, changed into shorts, and met Tiffany and Brenna to swap vehicles. Amanda and I went to the doctor's office. I don't think I had to wait 5 minutes before I got called back. I took off my clothes from the waist down, wrapped a sheet around me, and walked to the room. The nurse washed me down with betadyne, which was very ticklish and cold. After a few minutes the doctor came in.
I'd say the most unpleasant part of the whole procedure was getting the 3 shots of novacaine. It was very weird as he sort of pushed around down there to make sure that the novacaine worked its way around the "works." The procedure itself did not hurt. In fact, I don't think I even felt any tugging. We were back in the car by around 1:30, which is pretty good considering we got to the office at 12:45.
Amanda got me a shake at Chick Fil-A like she gets a treat for Lily when she is brave at the doctor. We got home and I went upstairs to bed with my ice pack. I took a couple of percocet and had a nice nap. We watched Star Wars Episode I as a family and now I'm down here blogging. I figure it's about time for more percocet and bed.
I feel kind of a dull ache right now and I hope the percocet will help with that. I'm pretty sure it will help me to sleep. I plan to take it real easy tomorrow and Sunday too. I'll keep blogging abou the recovery experience.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
