There will be an opportunity for the fellas to meet for lunch tomorrow (aka Wednesday). Here is lowdown:
Gator's Dockside (same shopping plaza on Newberry Rd. that has Starbucks/Moes/Stonewood Grill, et al)
Noon
Bring a friend! contact will connor if you have any questions
(wbconnorATyahooDOTcom 870-4401)
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Kanapaha Park 6:30 Tonight!
Nights in the Park, tonite 6:30pm--soccer or volleyball... but great time to simply hang out together...
Psalm 68, help for today's reading
PSALM 68 IS ONE OF THE MOST exuberant and boisterous psalms in the Psalter....68:11: “The Lord announced the word, and great was the company of those who proclaimed it.” ... the only right response to the word of the glorious victory of God in the cross of Jesus Christ is that there be a great company to proclaim it. --DA Carson
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Hoping for a Broken Heart
I am too satisfied
with the things I say
the things I do
the attitudes
of heart
that shape my reactions
day
after
day
after day.... *
So I am hoping
for
wise eyes
that are able
to see through
the cloud of
self-righteousness
and see myself
as I actually
am.
I am praying
for
wise ears
that are able
to hear through
the background noise of
well used platitudes
and hear myself
with clarity.
And I am longing
for
a humble spirit
that is willing
to
accept and confess
what You reveal
as You break through
my defenses
and show me
to me.
I am hoping
for
a broken heart.
"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." (Psalm 51: 17) * read the whole thing
Friday, June 22, 2007
When the Darkness Will Not Lift
Perhaps our recent look at Psalms 42-43 which raised the topic of spiritual dryness has you thinking, or wrestling. Here is an excellent 83page resource by John Piper... buy it or read it online here.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Impreccatory Psalms
At some point during the summer Psalms series we will meditate upon the glory and goodness of God expressed in the imprecations of the Psalms. A brief John Frame article is helpful for those of you who can't wait until I preach upon it. Also, Tremper Lngman's God is a Warrior
Helps for Psalm 60 & Psalm 61
From Spurgeon's "Treasury of David":
Psalm 60
DIVISION. Properly the song may be said to consist of three parts: the complaining verses, Ps 60:1-3; the happy, Ps 60:4-8; the prayerful, Ps 60:9-12. We have divided it as the sense appeared to change.
Psalm 61
TITLE. To the Chief Musician upon Neginah, a Psalm of David. The original indicates that both the hymn and the musical instrument were David's. He wrote the verses and himself sang them to the stringed instrument whose sound he loved so well. We have left the Psalms entitled Michtam, but we shall still find much precious meaning though the golden name be wanting. We have met with the title of this Psalm before, in Psalms 4, 6, 54, and 55, but with this difference, that in the present case the word is in the singular number: the Psalm itself is very personal, and well adapted for the private devotion of a single individual.
Psalm 60
DIVISION. Properly the song may be said to consist of three parts: the complaining verses, Ps 60:1-3; the happy, Ps 60:4-8; the prayerful, Ps 60:9-12. We have divided it as the sense appeared to change.
Psalm 61
TITLE. To the Chief Musician upon Neginah, a Psalm of David. The original indicates that both the hymn and the musical instrument were David's. He wrote the verses and himself sang them to the stringed instrument whose sound he loved so well. We have left the Psalms entitled Michtam, but we shall still find much precious meaning though the golden name be wanting. We have met with the title of this Psalm before, in Psalms 4, 6, 54, and 55, but with this difference, that in the present case the word is in the singular number: the Psalm itself is very personal, and well adapted for the private devotion of a single individual.
SUBJECT AND DIVISION. This Psalm is a pearl. It is little, but precious. To many a mourner it has furnished utterance when the mind could not have devised a speech for itself. It was evidently composed by David after he had come to the throne,—see Ps 61:6. The second verse leads us to believe that it was written during the psalmist's enforced exile from the tabernacle, which was the visible abode of God: if so, the period of Absalom's rebellion has been most suitably suggested as the date of its authorship, and Delitzsch is correct in entitling it, "Prayer and thanksgiving of an expelled King on his way back to his throne." We might divide the verses according to the sense, but it is preferable to follow the author's own arrangement, and make a break at each SELAH.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Why on earth am I here?
Recommendation of a new book..... A Journey Worth Taking: Finding Your Purpose in This World, by Charles Drew. You can read online the Table of Contents | Introduction | Chapter 1. Here are some blurbs:
David Powlison (who wrote the foreword): "This book bids to teach you a new 'language' for thinking about your life and identity. . . . Listen well as you read. Think hard. Take it to heart. It will be a bit like watching as predawn darkness lightens and brightens into sunrise and then full day. A slow and quiet happening . . . mundane . . . and wonderful beyond telling when you think about it. This is a book to take slowly, so it sinks in."
Tim Keller: “Charles Drew has given us a great book to give away--especially to those who want a purpose-driven life and want to dig more deeply into the mysteries of that purpose. It is at once clear, personal, culturally up-to-date, and theologically rich-- a perfect combination. Drew takes us a step beyond the literature that is presently available on the subject. Highly recommended.”
David Powlison (who wrote the foreword): "This book bids to teach you a new 'language' for thinking about your life and identity. . . . Listen well as you read. Think hard. Take it to heart. It will be a bit like watching as predawn darkness lightens and brightens into sunrise and then full day. A slow and quiet happening . . . mundane . . . and wonderful beyond telling when you think about it. This is a book to take slowly, so it sinks in."
Tim Keller: “Charles Drew has given us a great book to give away--especially to those who want a purpose-driven life and want to dig more deeply into the mysteries of that purpose. It is at once clear, personal, culturally up-to-date, and theologically rich-- a perfect combination. Drew takes us a step beyond the literature that is presently available on the subject. Highly recommended.”
You simply cannot love God unless you know and understand how much he loves you.
“When you consider what real love for God is you can easily see that you cannot love God in this way if you think you are under the curse and wrath of God. You cannot love God if you are under the continual, secret suspicion that he is really your enemy! You cannot love God if you secretly think he condemns and hates you. This kind of slavish fear will compel you to some hypocritical obedience…you will never truly love God if you are compelled only by fear.
Your love for God must be won and drawn out by your understanding of God’s love and goodness toward you, just as John testifies, ‘There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, because fear consists of torment; the one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us.’
You simply cannot love God unless you know and understand how much he loves you.”
--How To Live a Holy Life by the Power of the Gospel, Bruce McRae’s edited version of Walter Marshall’s classic, The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification.
Your love for God must be won and drawn out by your understanding of God’s love and goodness toward you, just as John testifies, ‘There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, because fear consists of torment; the one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us.’
You simply cannot love God unless you know and understand how much he loves you.”
--How To Live a Holy Life by the Power of the Gospel, Bruce McRae’s edited version of Walter Marshall’s classic, The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification.
Psalms 57 & 58 are today's readings
You can read them online here:
Outline of Ps57. We have here prayer, Ps 57:1-6, and praise, Ps 57:7-11. David takes in a long breath of prayer, and when he is fully inspired, he breathes out his soul in jubilant song. --Spurgeon
Outline of Ps58:The ungodly enemy is accused, Ps 58:1-5; judgment is sought from the judge, Ps 58:6-8; and seen in prophetic vision as already executed, Ps 58:9-11. --Spurgeon
Outline of Ps57. We have here prayer, Ps 57:1-6, and praise, Ps 57:7-11. David takes in a long breath of prayer, and when he is fully inspired, he breathes out his soul in jubilant song. --Spurgeon
Outline of Ps58:The ungodly enemy is accused, Ps 58:1-5; judgment is sought from the judge, Ps 58:6-8; and seen in prophetic vision as already executed, Ps 58:9-11. --Spurgeon
Monday, June 18, 2007
Paul Alistair MacGregor is here!
Praise God!
MacGregor’s Baby: Paul Alistair
Born: 12:44pm, Monday, June 18, 2007
Weight: 7lbs. 8oz
Height: 20in.
Balancing our Keller appreciation
A thoughtful post for Tim Keller fans (make sure you see Keller's comments in the--where else?--comments section.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Godward thoughts as we prepare for Corporate Worship
Tomorrow promises to be a great day in God's presence together. We will:
--sing His praises
--confess our sin
--be reminded of the finished work of Christ in our behalf!
--partake of the Sacrament of Baptism, the promise of God's cleansing grace in visible form
--say our memory verse together (I know it this week!)
--continue our meditation on Psalm 42-43 and the topic of "Spiritual Dryness"
--and more
"He who knows God, who, with faith's eye, has discovered some of His glory, and by the power of the spirit has felt something of His love, will not be at a loss to distinguish between God's sensible presence and absence in the soul." --Octavius Winslow
--sing His praises
--confess our sin
--be reminded of the finished work of Christ in our behalf!
--partake of the Sacrament of Baptism, the promise of God's cleansing grace in visible form
--say our memory verse together (I know it this week!)
--continue our meditation on Psalm 42-43 and the topic of "Spiritual Dryness"
--and more
"He who knows God, who, with faith's eye, has discovered some of His glory, and by the power of the spirit has felt something of His love, will not be at a loss to distinguish between God's sensible presence and absence in the soul." --Octavius Winslow
Friday, June 15, 2007
Using a hymn to build your faith
Jesus! What a help in sorrow! While the billows o’er me roll,
Even when my heart is breaking, He, my comfort, helps my soul.
Jesus! what a guide and keeper! While the tempest still is high
Storms about me, night o'ertakes me, He, my pilot, hears my cry.
Reminder & Reflection Redux
Journey of Faith Offerings received June 1-15: $11,935
Journey of Faith pledge money received to date (April 1-June 15): $96,579
On the building... keep praying for our case before the county... we have not heard back from them yet about our site plan.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Psalm 51 and Colin Farrell
Today is Psalm 51.... you could honestly spend a month on it... or longer. Paul Tripp has been writing truly helpful thoughts on it for weeks.
Now this.... Quotes from a meditation on the Gospel of Grace, confession of sin, joyful intimacy, and the movie--Phone Booth:
Read the entire post here
Now this.... Quotes from a meditation on the Gospel of Grace, confession of sin, joyful intimacy, and the movie--Phone Booth:
A NYC promoter, Stu (Colin Farrell), is held captive in a phone booth at the whim of a sniper with a rifle, a laser scope and a telephone. Unless the promoter confesses his hidden sins to his wife, mistress, and colleagues the sniper will kill him.
So Stu confesses....
The Church, as a corporate body, is to do daily life like this movie scene of confession. Why? Because the Church is filled with people who are, in Luther’s words, simul iustus et peccador. In English, this means simultaneously sinning and justified. If we regularly enacted this scene from Phone Booth, we would honestly and brokenly proclaim our peccador-ness. If we confessed our sinfulness to our spouses, children, parents, friends, colleagues, neighbors, then others around us wouldn’t feel the pressure to display only their iustus-ness.
We are scared to death to boast in our weakness because it violates culture (best foot forward, turn your good side to the camera), but if all of us in the Church would boast in our weakness together, we would become a Gospel-suffused community of honesty, brokenness, repentance, grace, forgiveness and restoration. In short, we would be a community of joyful intimacy.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
R e a d t h i s slowwwwwly.....
The following must be read slowly and repeatedly.... Edwards wrote to a people who could listen very very well to an argument and follow it .... (but our generation kills them at multi-tasking!!)
"True grace is no dull, inactive, ineffectual principle; it is a powerful thing; there is an exceeding energy in it. And the reason is, that God is in it; it is a divine principle, a participation of the divine nature, and a communication of divine life, of the life of a risen Savior, who exerts himself in the hearts of the saints "after the power of an endless life." They that have true grace in them, "they live"; but not by their own life; "but Christ lives in them." His Holy Spirit becomes in them a living principle and spring of divine life, the energy and power of which is in Scripture compared to fire...True piety is nothing remaining only in the head, or consisting in any speculative knowledge or opinions, or outward morality or forms of religion; it reaches the heart, is chiefly seated there, and burns there. There is a holy ardor in everything that belongs to true grace. True faith is an ardent thing, and so is true repentance; there is a holy power and ardor in true spiritual comfort and joy; yea even in true Christian humility, submission, and meekness. The reason is that divine love or charity is the sum of all true grace, which is a holy flame enkindled in the soul."
== (Jonathan Edwards, "True Excellency of a Minister of the Gospel," in The Works of Jonathan Edwards, vol. 25: Sermons and Discourses, 1743-1758 [New Haven: Yale University Press, 2006], 91).
Rob: might even want to print this out.... great words like "ardor" and "enkindled".... O God, make us a people who experience this holy power & ardor!
Psalm 50
Outline. The Lord is represented as summoning the whole earth to hear his declaration, Ps 50:1-6; he then declares the nature of the worship which he accepts, Ps 50:7-15, accuses the ungodly of breaches of the precepts of the second table, Ps 50:16-21, and closes the court with a word of threatening, Ps 50:22, and a direction of grace, Ps 50:23.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Hearing God's Call
Recently I spoke with a friend who is trying to figure out where to invest his life....here is a link to an mp3 lecture by Os Guinness
The Call: Finding and Fulfilling Your Purpose in Life
I am sure this is a presentation of what he wrote in a book entitled, THE CALL. Good stuff.
The Call: Finding and Fulfilling Your Purpose in Life
I am sure this is a presentation of what he wrote in a book entitled, THE CALL. Good stuff.
You can bring everything to Jesus
"I need not exert myself and try to force myself to believe, or try to chase doubt out of my heart. Both are equally useless. It begins to dawn on me that I can bring everything to Jesus, no matter how difficult it is; and I need not be frightened away by my doubts or my weak faith, but only tell Jesus how weak my faith is. I have let Jesus into my heart. And He will fulfill my heart's desire."
--Ole Hallesby, a Norwegian Christian of the last century
--Ole Hallesby, a Norwegian Christian of the last century
Men's Lunch 34th & Archer
Josh Fischer is coordinating a men's lunch--tomorrow!
Wednesday, June 13, around noon at the Bennegin's at Archer Road and SW 34th Street.... all male folk invited
Wednesday, June 13, around noon at the Bennegin's at Archer Road and SW 34th Street.... all male folk invited
Our Sins are Covered
“In order to have faith you must paint a true portrait of Christ. The scholastics caricature Christ into a judge and tormentor. But Christ is no law giver. He is the Lifegiver. He is the Forgiver of sins. You must believe that Christ might have atoned for the sins of the world with one single drop of His blood. Instead, He shed His blood abundantly in order that He might give abundant satisfaction for our sins. Here let me say, that these three things, faith, Christ, and imputation of righteousness, are to be joined together. Faith takes hold of Christ. God accounts this faith for righteousness. This imputation of righteousness we need very much, because we are far from perfect. As long as we have this body, sin will dwell in our flesh. Then, too, we sometimes drive away the Holy Spirit; we fall into sin, like Peter, David, and other holy men. Nevertheless we may always take recourse to this fact, that our sins are covered, and that God will not lay them to our charge. Sin is not held against us for Christ’s sake. Where Christ and faith are lacking, there is no remission or covering of sins, but only condemnation."
---Martin Luther, Galatians Commentary, 1:14
---Martin Luther, Galatians Commentary, 1:14
Monday, June 11, 2007
Scandalous Freedom
Those of you who are familiar with grabbing podcasts from Itunes will want to check out the one by Steve Brown called Scandalous Freedom. Great stuff about the radical nature of the gospel of free grace.
Saturday, June 09, 2007
Talking to yourself? Or listening to yourself?
Martyn Lloyd-Jones, the former pastor and medical doctor from London, described the importance of preaching to ourselves: “Have you realized that most of your unhappiness in life is due to the fact that you are listening to yourself instead of talking to yourself? Take those thoughts that come to you the moment you wake up in the morning. You have not originated them but they are talking to you, they bring back the problems of yesterday, etc. Somebody is talking. Who is talking to you? Your self is talking to you. Now this man’s treatment [in this psalm] was this: instead of allowing this self to talk to him, he starts talking to himself. ‘Why art thou cast down, O my soul?’ he asks. His soul had been depressing him, crushing him. So he stands up and says: ‘Self, listen for moment, I will speak to you.’” Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Spiritual Depression (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1965), 20
Friday, June 08, 2007
This Life
This life, therefore, is not righteousness, but growth in righteousness;
not health, but healing; not being, but becoming; not rest, but exercise.
We are not yet what we shall be, but we are growing toward it.
The process is not yet finished, but it is going on.
This is not the end, but it is the road.
All does not yet gleam in glory, but all is being purified.
--- Martin Luther
not health, but healing; not being, but becoming; not rest, but exercise.
We are not yet what we shall be, but we are growing toward it.
The process is not yet finished, but it is going on.
This is not the end, but it is the road.
All does not yet gleam in glory, but all is being purified.
--- Martin Luther
When Free Grace is Resisted by Christians
Have you ever wondered....
"Why did people get so angry at the message that God wasn't angry at them? What was so offensive about the doctrine of grace to people who said they believed it? Why did people become so unloving when I told them that God loved them?"
Steve Brown has some suggestions here
"Why did people get so angry at the message that God wasn't angry at them? What was so offensive about the doctrine of grace to people who said they believed it? Why did people become so unloving when I told them that God loved them?"
Steve Brown has some suggestions here
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Almighty AND With Us
God ruleth on high, almighty to save;
And still he is nigh—his presence we have:
The great congregation his triumph shall sing,
Ascribing salvation to Jesus, our King. --Charles Wesley
And still he is nigh—his presence we have:
The great congregation his triumph shall sing,
Ascribing salvation to Jesus, our King. --Charles Wesley
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
How True!
“By the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out, and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But those things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.” (The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams, p. 5)
Stewarding a Season of Spiritual Dryness
Sunday I plan to preach on a Psalm couplet--42&43--they go together... and are about spiritual dryness and depression. I'M ASKING FOR COMMENTS TO THIS BLOG! Just below the quote by Spurgeon you'll see a link that includes the word COMMENTS. Click that link and you can anonymously post particular questions about spiritual dryness and depression... it will help me prepare and pray. Thank you.
I was lying upon my couch during this last week, and my spirits were sunken so low that I could weep by the hour like a child, and yet I knew not what I wept for — but a very slight thing will move me to tears just now — and a kind friend was telling me of some poor old soul living near, who was suffering very great pain, and yet she was full of joy and rejoicing. I was so distressed by the hearing of that story, and felt so ashamed of myself, that I did not know what to do; wondering why I should be in such a state as this; while this poor woman, who had a terrible cancer, and was in the most frightful agony, could nevertheless "rejoice with joy unspeakable, and full of glory." --CH Spurgeon
I was lying upon my couch during this last week, and my spirits were sunken so low that I could weep by the hour like a child, and yet I knew not what I wept for — but a very slight thing will move me to tears just now — and a kind friend was telling me of some poor old soul living near, who was suffering very great pain, and yet she was full of joy and rejoicing. I was so distressed by the hearing of that story, and felt so ashamed of myself, that I did not know what to do; wondering why I should be in such a state as this; while this poor woman, who had a terrible cancer, and was in the most frightful agony, could nevertheless "rejoice with joy unspeakable, and full of glory." --CH Spurgeon
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Night in Park a Success
Softball is the game de jour but many folk are planning to come just to hang out.
6:30pm til 8
@ Kanapaha Park on Tower Rd (aka SW 75th street)
(We will NOT play Americans versus Canadians as results would be as lopsided as the Stanley Cup series.)
UPDATE: DONE
6:30pm til 8
@ Kanapaha Park on Tower Rd (aka SW 75th street)
(We will NOT play Americans versus Canadians as results would be as lopsided as the Stanley Cup series.)
UPDATE: DONE
40
I thought it was widely known what an incredible song "40" was, by U2. But I've learned it ain't...
SO--you can read a little background here... then go spend the 99c at itunes, (or 1.29 if you've switched over):
This was the last song written for the album. They had already used an extra week of studio time and needed one more song in a hurry, so Bono opened a bible, read from Psalm 40 of Psalms of David, and they put it to music.
During a live performance on April 29, 1987, Bono joked: "We spent ten minutes writing this song, ten minutes recording it, ten minutes mixing it, ten minutes playing it back, and that's got nothing to do with why it's called '40'."
SO--you can read a little background here... then go spend the 99c at itunes, (or 1.29 if you've switched over):
This was the last song written for the album. They had already used an extra week of studio time and needed one more song in a hurry, so Bono opened a bible, read from Psalm 40 of Psalms of David, and they put it to music.
During a live performance on April 29, 1987, Bono joked: "We spent ten minutes writing this song, ten minutes recording it, ten minutes mixing it, ten minutes playing it back, and that's got nothing to do with why it's called '40'."
outline of Psalm 40, per Spurgeon
From Ps 40:1-3, is a personal thanksgiving, followed by a general declaration of Jehovah's goodness to his saints, Ps 40:4-5. In Ps 40:6-10, we have an avowal of dedication to the Lord's will; Ps 40:11-17, contains a prayer for deliverance from pressing trouble, and for the overthrow of enemies.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Recovery from Sin by Faith in Christ
"Stay away from sin if you can. But if you have fallen into sin, you must learn how to get up again and regain a firm faith. These very struggles show us what it means to really believe. We need to realize that sin is a horrible evil. This doesn't seem to be true when we're committing sin. We enjoy it while we are doing it. But after God's laws make us aware of our sin, we realize that sin is hell itself and far more powerful than heaven or earth. After that, we can't understand God's kindness to us without great effort. But a heart burdened by sin can say, 'Even though I have committed many sins, God sent his Son into the world not to condemn the world but to save the world. Without this comfort, we would have no remedy or defense against sin and its sting." --Martin Luther, By Faith Alone
Praise God for Progress
In August of 2006 Frank Matthews and I presented a plan for how we planned to lead Christ Community in the coming months. We recently updated the progress God has enabled us to make so far. You can read the update here
Your partnership in the gospel is what has made these things happen. Thank you for joyfully responding to the grace of Jesus Christ that you are receiving.
Your partnership in the gospel is what has made these things happen. Thank you for joyfully responding to the grace of Jesus Christ that you are receiving.
Jesse Ryan Oates
Jesse was born at 10:29pm
Sunday, June 3rd
to proud parents, Ryan & Kate
8lbs. 3oz.
19in.
All are happy and healthy and at Shands, room #3522
Sunday, June 3rd
to proud parents, Ryan & Kate
8lbs. 3oz.
19in.
All are happy and healthy and at Shands, room #3522
Our Times in God's Hand... what that means
Q. What do you understand by the providence of God?
A. God's providence is His almighty and ever present power,[1] whereby, as with His hand, He still upholds heaven and earth and all creatures,[2] and so governs them that leaf and blade, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, food and drink, health and sickness, riches and poverty,[3] indeed, all things, come not by chance[4] but by His fatherly hand.[5]
[1] Jer. 23:23, 24; Acts 17:24-28. [2] Heb. 1:3. [3] Jer. 5:24; Acts 14:15-17; John 9:3; Prov. 22:2. [4] Prov. 16:33. [5] Matt. 10:29.
28. Q. What does it benefit us to know that God has created all things and still upholds them by His providence?
A. We can be patient in adversity,[1] thankful in prosperity,[2] and with a view to the future we can have a firm confidence in our faithful God and Father that no creature shall separate us from His love;[3] for all creatures are so completely in His hand that without His will they cannot so much as move.[4]
[1] Job. 1:21, 22; Ps. 39:10; James 1:3. [2] Deut. 8:10; I Thess. 5:18. [3] Ps. 55:22; Rom. 5:3-5; 8:38, 39. [4] Job 1:12; 2:6; Prov. 21:1; Acts 17:24-28.
Psalm 39...sorrow, silence, submission
The psalmist, bowed down with sickness and sorrow, is burdened with unbelieving thoughts, which he resolves to stifle, lest any evil should come from their expression, Ps 39:1-2. But silence creates an insupportable grief, which at last demands utterance, and obtains it in the prayer of Ps 39:3-6, which is almost a complaint and a sigh for death, or at best a very desponding picture of human life. From Ps 39:7-13 the tone is more submissive, and the recognition of the divine hand more distinct; the cloud has evidently passed, and the mourner's heart is relieved. ---Spurgeon
Friday, June 01, 2007
Work Day Tomorrow
this note from Rob Hamersma about Saturday's service
Hi folks,
If you are interested in joining us to help serve our community this
Saturday (June 2), we will be meeting at the church house at 8:00 am.
We will be partnering with Christians Concerned for the Community to do
some spring cleaning for a couple of disabled ladies who are able to
keep their apartments tidy enough, but need help with some of the more
significant jobs like moving furniture, vacuuming, dusting, mopping,
etc. We may or may not need cleaning supplies, so please bring whatever
you think might be useful (eg. dusting spray and rags, "swiffer"-type
mop, rubber gloves, etc.). We will also have a group go to Palm Garden,
which is the nursing home where we went Christmas caroling as a church
last year. They could use volunteers to help them facilitate games and
activities for the residents.
So we'll meet at the church house at 8:00 and split up into groups from
there.
Hope to see you then!
Hi folks,
If you are interested in joining us to help serve our community this
Saturday (June 2), we will be meeting at the church house at 8:00 am.
We will be partnering with Christians Concerned for the Community to do
some spring cleaning for a couple of disabled ladies who are able to
keep their apartments tidy enough, but need help with some of the more
significant jobs like moving furniture, vacuuming, dusting, mopping,
etc. We may or may not need cleaning supplies, so please bring whatever
you think might be useful (eg. dusting spray and rags, "swiffer"-type
mop, rubber gloves, etc.). We will also have a group go to Palm Garden,
which is the nursing home where we went Christmas caroling as a church
last year. They could use volunteers to help them facilitate games and
activities for the residents.
So we'll meet at the church house at 8:00 and split up into groups from
there.
Hope to see you then!
How can I make them see their errors?
Every parent and friend (and spouse) has felt this... I see their sin but they don't... I've never thought about Nathan---the guy who God used to help David come to repentance-- as a model for loving others by confronting them in their sin... Paul Tripp does a masterful job reflecting on this:
No shouts
No pointed fingers
No flashing eyes
No red-faced accusations
No inflammatory vocabulary
No bulging forehead veins
No shouts
No pointed fingers
No flashing eyes
No red-faced accusations
No inflammatory vocabulary
No bulging forehead veins
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Psalm 35
Yesterday & Today's Psalm reading is Psalm 35... little helps like this might assist you as much as they do me...
Division of Psalm 35 The most natural mode of dividing this Psalm is to note its triple character. Its complaint, prayer, and promise of praise are repeated with remarkable parallelism three times, even as our Lord in the Garden prayed three times, using the same words. The first portion occupies from Ps 35:1-10, the second from Ps 35:11-18, and the last from Ps 35:19-28; each section ending with a note of grateful song. --Spurgeon
Also, glad to hear many folks are benefitting from memorizing Psalm 28:6-8
Blessed be the Lord!
For He has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy.
The Lord is my strength & my shield.
In Him my heart trusts, and I am helped.
My heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to Him.
The Lord is the strength of His people.
He is the saving refuge of His anointed. (This is from my memory.... here is official memorization text!)
Division of Psalm 35 The most natural mode of dividing this Psalm is to note its triple character. Its complaint, prayer, and promise of praise are repeated with remarkable parallelism three times, even as our Lord in the Garden prayed three times, using the same words. The first portion occupies from Ps 35:1-10, the second from Ps 35:11-18, and the last from Ps 35:19-28; each section ending with a note of grateful song. --Spurgeon
Also, glad to hear many folks are benefitting from memorizing Psalm 28:6-8
Blessed be the Lord!
For He has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy.
The Lord is my strength & my shield.
In Him my heart trusts, and I am helped.
My heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to Him.
The Lord is the strength of His people.
He is the saving refuge of His anointed. (This is from my memory.... here is official memorization text!)
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Thinking About Teenagers
Center for Parent & Youth Understanding
is ommitted to building strong families by serving to bridge the cultural-generational gap between parents and teenagers.
Who Invented Adolescence, by Mardi Keyes
Written by a brilliant & godly woman who serves at the Massachusetts L'Abri
This article was found on the very good website http://www.ransomfellowship.org/
is ommitted to building strong families by serving to bridge the cultural-generational gap between parents and teenagers.
Who Invented Adolescence, by Mardi Keyes
Written by a brilliant & godly woman who serves at the Massachusetts L'Abri
This article was found on the very good website http://www.ransomfellowship.org/
How Can I Forgive Them?
loads of stuff is written on forgiveness... seems that (like a car engine) every r'ship--to run properly... to survive!!---must be constantly lubricated by a pretty generous dose of forgiveness
Hands down the best thing I've ever seen on practically pursuing forgiveness by accessing the promises of Jesus is the Forgiveness Project by Tim Keller. I'll seek to post bite size portions in coming days...
If you need the whole thing NOW! click here
Hands down the best thing I've ever seen on practically pursuing forgiveness by accessing the promises of Jesus is the Forgiveness Project by Tim Keller. I'll seek to post bite size portions in coming days...
If you need the whole thing NOW! click here
A. The Resources for Forgiveness.
1. We need enough humility.
Jesus ties our ability to forgive to our ability to repent. ("Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors" Matt.6:12.) This doesn't mean that God forgives our sins because we forgive others. It means that in general we are as forgiven by God as we are forgiving to others because unforgiving people are unrepentant people. The more we hold grudges the less we see ourselves as having done wrong and needing forgiveness; the more we see ourselves as needing forgiveness, the more likely we are to forgive others. Why? Resentment requires a person to sit in the position of Judge (Rom.12:19-20). We can only hold grudges if we feel superior to the other person. Jesus very directly and bluntly tells us that, if we hold a grudge against another person, we are ignorant of how much we owe God. So the first thing we have to see is our own need for forgiveness. We need enough humility to forgive.
The Dream & Promise of Being Sin-Free... one day
First of all... if you have a gmail account and you aren't using google reader... you should!!!! And make Paul Tripp your first subscription. Er, second subscription... after cccpastors.blogspot.com
Tripp continues his incredibly helpful work on the soul, using Psalm 51:
When your sin really does become ugly to you, when it produces pain in your heart and sickness in your stomach, you celebrate forgiveness, but you want something more. You want to be clean. You long to be once and for all purified from all sin whatsoever. You want your sin to be once and for all washed away. You want to be free of every dark residue of sinful thought, desire, word, or deed.
Yes, you'll love the fact that you can stand before God dirty and unafraid because of his comprehensive and freely given grace. You'll love the fact that his forgiveness of you has been full and complete. But you'll grow tired of needing and seeking forgiveness. You'll mourn the hold that sin has on you. You'll be frustrated with the way that sin seems to infect everything you do. And you'll begin to plead for what the blood of Jesus alone is able to do; wash away your sin! In this moment of need and helplessness, you'll cry, "Purge me with hyssop Lord, dip the branch of your grace into the blood of your Son and cleanse me once and for all!" --Paul Tripp
Entire Post here
Tripp continues his incredibly helpful work on the soul, using Psalm 51:
When your sin really does become ugly to you, when it produces pain in your heart and sickness in your stomach, you celebrate forgiveness, but you want something more. You want to be clean. You long to be once and for all purified from all sin whatsoever. You want your sin to be once and for all washed away. You want to be free of every dark residue of sinful thought, desire, word, or deed.
Yes, you'll love the fact that you can stand before God dirty and unafraid because of his comprehensive and freely given grace. You'll love the fact that his forgiveness of you has been full and complete. But you'll grow tired of needing and seeking forgiveness. You'll mourn the hold that sin has on you. You'll be frustrated with the way that sin seems to infect everything you do. And you'll begin to plead for what the blood of Jesus alone is able to do; wash away your sin! In this moment of need and helplessness, you'll cry, "Purge me with hyssop Lord, dip the branch of your grace into the blood of your Son and cleanse me once and for all!" --Paul Tripp
Entire Post here
Psalm 35:1-18.... Today's reading
A bit o' help from Spurgeon:
“Say unto my soul, I am thy salvation.” Psalm 35:3
The text informs me first of all that David had his doubts; for why should he pray, “Say unto my soul, I am thy salvation,” if he were not sometimes exercised with doubts and fears? Let me, then, be of good cheer, for I am not the only saint who has to complain of weakness of faith. If David doubted, I need not conclude that I am no Christian because I have doubts.
Want more?
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Parenting by Grace
Gospel Parenting
Today is the first of several posting of excerpts from a good article on parenting, written by Dave Desforge.Heart to Heart Parenting
I. As a parent/steward I am called to imitate God’s example.A. The biblical picture of God as a perfect parent is rich and multi-dimensional.He reveals Himself as much more than simply a disciplinarian. He is protective (Psa. 68:5), compassionate (Psa. 103:13,14; Isa. 49:15), comforting (Isa. 66:13; 2 Cor. 1:3), loving (Hos. 11:1), a caregiver (1 Peter 5:7), and a gift-giver (Jer. 3:19; Mt. 6:4; 7:11; Lk. 11:13; Jas. 1:17).He is depicted as one who knows His children intimately (eg., Psa. 139), as one who liberally forgives (Mt.26:28; Jn. 3:16,17; Eph. 1:7), and as one who is responsive to human needs (eg., Gen. 9:8-17; and the rescue of Israel from Egypt).
Are there any ways in which my role as a parent is becoming narrow and truncated? Am I allowing necessity and expediency, the tyranny of the urgent, to shape my parenting? As I face the hectic, overbooked, overcrowded, overcommitted nature of modern life, am I becoming more and more of a reactive parent, who steps in far more often as the corrector, than the balanced, multi-dimensional sort of father God models?
Sunday, May 27, 2007
God's Time & Ours
However true it is that God is the believer's refuge, sometimes in this broken and fallen world it
does not feel like it at the moment. The truth is that God's timetable is rarely the same as ours. --Don Carson
Where is God telling you to wait?
does not feel like it at the moment. The truth is that God's timetable is rarely the same as ours. --Don Carson
Where is God telling you to wait?
Friday, May 25, 2007
Keller, 1 Thing, and Idoltry of the Heart
"My fears are directly proportional to the vulnerability of the things that are my greatest joys. Anything but God and His will is vulnerable." --Tim Keller
Again, Psalm 27 makes us ask--what are my idols? What are good things that we've let become our ONE thing. Reputation? Relationships? Accomplishments? Our one thing... that thing without which "I cannot be happy or fulfilled or productive"... is either God or an idol.
FYI There is a book coming out this summer which promises to be very helpful. Written by Dan Allender & Tremper Longman... Breaking the Idols of Your Heart
You can read the rest of this post here
Again, Psalm 27 makes us ask--what are my idols? What are good things that we've let become our ONE thing. Reputation? Relationships? Accomplishments? Our one thing... that thing without which "I cannot be happy or fulfilled or productive"... is either God or an idol.
FYI There is a book coming out this summer which promises to be very helpful. Written by Dan Allender & Tremper Longman... Breaking the Idols of Your Heart
You can read the rest of this post here
St. Augustine--the dude, not the city
Augustine said--and this is a paraphrase--
"Your anxieties are like smoke. You can trace them back and find the thing/person/etc
for which your heart burns inordinately."
Or in the words of David in Psalm 27:4... your one thing.
"Your anxieties are like smoke. You can trace them back and find the thing/person/etc
for which your heart burns inordinately."
Or in the words of David in Psalm 27:4... your one thing.
One Thing
Sunday I'm preaching on Psalm 27--which was part of y'days reading-- and here's a sample of what's in store for us:
David's twofold desire, to behold and to inquire, to know more intimately the beauty of the Lord's Person and the wonder of His will, combines as the one thing he wants
One thing have I asked of the Lord,
that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
and to inquire in his temple. --Ps.27:4
that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
and to inquire in his temple. --Ps.27:4
David's twofold desire, to behold and to inquire, to know more intimately the beauty of the Lord's Person and the wonder of His will, combines as the one thing he wants
above all others. --Derek Kidner
Psalm 28is Today's reading
Kidner says:
26-28 share themes of
1.) God's Protection
2.) The Joy found in God's presence
\3.) The confidence & loyalty of the singer of the psalm, and us who sing now!
26-28 share themes of
1.) God's Protection
2.) The Joy found in God's presence
\3.) The confidence & loyalty of the singer of the psalm, and us who sing now!
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Marriage Resources
This is taken from very helpful article called When Marriage Brings Suffering......
"Status of a Marriage." Eight options:
"Status of a Marriage." Eight options:
- Ecstatic Union
- Intimate Partnership
- Cordial Friendship
- Peaceful coexistence
- Tense silence
- Active hostility
- Full-scale belligerence
- Irreconcilable brokenness
The School of Grace
Lead me in thy truth, and teach me..... Psalm 25
Experiential teaching is the burden of this prayer. David knew much, but he felt his ignorance, and desired to be still in the Lord’s school: four times over in two verses he applies for a scholarship in the college of grace. --Spurgeon
Experiential teaching is the burden of this prayer. David knew much, but he felt his ignorance, and desired to be still in the Lord’s school: four times over in two verses he applies for a scholarship in the college of grace. --Spurgeon
Psalm 25... today's reading
David is pictured in this Psalm as in a faithful miniature. His holy trust, his many conflicts, his great transgression, his bitter repentance, and his deep distresses are all here; so that we see the very heart of "the man after God's own heart." It is evidently a composition of David's later days, for he mentions the sins of his youth, and from its painful references to the craft and cruelty of his many foes, it will not be too speculative a theory to refer it to the period when Absalom was heading the great rebellion against him. This has been styled the second of the seven Penitential Psalms. It is the mark of a true saint that his sorrows remind him of his sins, and his sorrow for sin drives him to his God. --Charles Spurgeon
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Adam & Ashley Means welcome...
Ace
Todays Psalms are 23 & 24
Regarding the 23rd Psalm, Spurgeon says:
The position of this psalm is worthy of notice. It follows the twenty-second, which is peculiarly the Psalm of the Cross. There are no green pastures, no still waters on the other side of the twenty-second psalm. It is only after we have read, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" that we come to "The Lord is my Shepherd." We must by experience know the value of blood-shedding, and see the sword awakened against the Shepherd, before we shall be able truly to know the Sweetness of the good Shepherd's care.
The position of this psalm is worthy of notice. It follows the twenty-second, which is peculiarly the Psalm of the Cross. There are no green pastures, no still waters on the other side of the twenty-second psalm. It is only after we have read, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" that we come to "The Lord is my Shepherd." We must by experience know the value of blood-shedding, and see the sword awakened against the Shepherd, before we shall be able truly to know the Sweetness of the good Shepherd's care.
Christians Need the Gospel
In your opinion, why do many Christians view the Gospel as only for unbelievers?
I would guess because we are all slow of heart to see the Gospel clearly. Luther said we have to remind ourselves of it all the time and beat it into our heads continually. I am so deeply self-righteous and self-reliant that it takes effort to remind myself of the grace of God. Take that tendency in all of us and mix it with lack of reading the Bible where we see the Gospel everywhere, and you have all that you need to have a "front door to salvation" view of the Gospel. I also think God is doing this work of making us Gospel centered in a new way in our day. --Mark Lauterbach
I would guess because we are all slow of heart to see the Gospel clearly. Luther said we have to remind ourselves of it all the time and beat it into our heads continually. I am so deeply self-righteous and self-reliant that it takes effort to remind myself of the grace of God. Take that tendency in all of us and mix it with lack of reading the Bible where we see the Gospel everywhere, and you have all that you need to have a "front door to salvation" view of the Gospel. I also think God is doing this work of making us Gospel centered in a new way in our day. --Mark Lauterbach
Monday, May 21, 2007
Psalm 19 "leftovers"
need to tell you some great stuff about the Scriptures and Christ... stuff i had to cut from sermon... coming soon
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Joshua Bell and Jesus
People had a tremendous opportunity... and busyness and other things kept them from tasting and delighting in beauty.
More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold; ---Psalm 19, speaking of the Scriptures
Pearls Before Breakfast, in the Wash.Post
The article can be read and video viewed here
More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold; ---Psalm 19, speaking of the Scriptures
You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.
--Jesus in Jn 5
The article can be read and video viewed here
Friday, May 18, 2007
Desiring God and Not Desiring God
Thoughts of Psalm 19 and the summer...
We believe that a seminary education is successful only if -- at its end -- the student knows Jesus Christ more intimately than at its beginning.
That's covenant seminary's plumbline. Seems like a good one for evaluating the summer months... and for praying towards them. God cause me to know Jesus Christ more intimately in August than I do today.
An oft-neglected question among Christians and churches is.... What about when I don't desire to know Jesus more intimately? A great book is free online or can be purchased:
When I Don't Desire God: How to Fight for Joy
What do you do when you discover that you're not satisfied in God the way he wants you to be? Joy is more than an afterthought of the Christian life; it is the sustaining fruit of a relationship with God. With a radical passion for Christ's glory, John Piper helps you find the joy God wants you to have.
* Foreword and Prayer, Chapters 1-3 (188KB PDF)
* Chapters 4-6 (192KB PDF)
* Chapters 7-10 (299KB PDF)
* Chapters 11-12 (230KB PDF)
* Notes and Desiring God: A Note on Resources (144KB PDF)
* Index (79KB PDF)
Purchase When I Don't Desire God
I particularly remember some great things Piper said about the use of being in creation to stimulate our desire for God. Psalm 19 speaks of creation "gushing forth" about God.
We believe that a seminary education is successful only if -- at its end -- the student knows Jesus Christ more intimately than at its beginning.
That's covenant seminary's plumbline. Seems like a good one for evaluating the summer months... and for praying towards them. God cause me to know Jesus Christ more intimately in August than I do today.
An oft-neglected question among Christians and churches is.... What about when I don't desire to know Jesus more intimately? A great book is free online or can be purchased:
When I Don't Desire God: How to Fight for Joy
What do you do when you discover that you're not satisfied in God the way he wants you to be? Joy is more than an afterthought of the Christian life; it is the sustaining fruit of a relationship with God. With a radical passion for Christ's glory, John Piper helps you find the joy God wants you to have.
* Foreword and Prayer, Chapters 1-3 (188KB PDF)
* Chapters 4-6 (192KB PDF)
* Chapters 7-10 (299KB PDF)
* Chapters 11-12 (230KB PDF)
* Notes and Desiring God: A Note on Resources (144KB PDF)
* Index (79KB PDF)
Purchase When I Don't Desire God
I particularly remember some great things Piper said about the use of being in creation to stimulate our desire for God. Psalm 19 speaks of creation "gushing forth" about God.
When God is Glad
Paul Tripp continues his honest and hope-filled meditative writing on Psalm 51.
In the pain of my confession it's hard to recollect the fleeting pleasures of my sin. My shame hides your face. My anguish drowns out your voice. ... ....
There's no place to run. There's no place to hide. I can't escape what I have done.
I can't erase my stains. So in my grief I ask for one thing. I long to hear You sing.
I long to see You rejoice.
You can read the rest by clicking here
Also, if you are have a Gmail account and are not taking advantage of Google Reader.... you really should. And subscribe to this one first....
http://paultrippministries.blogspot.com/
In the pain of my confession it's hard to recollect the fleeting pleasures of my sin. My shame hides your face. My anguish drowns out your voice. ... ....
There's no place to run. There's no place to hide. I can't escape what I have done.
I can't erase my stains. So in my grief I ask for one thing. I long to hear You sing.
I long to see You rejoice.
You can read the rest by clicking here
Also, if you are have a Gmail account and are not taking advantage of Google Reader.... you really should. And subscribe to this one first....
http://paultrippministries.blogspot.com/
Birds, Our Teachers
John Stott once preached 3 sermons on what it means to follow Jesus' advice to, "Look at the birds..." (Matthew 6). You can get them from All Souls Church
anyway, eating lunch at my desk ... birds are on my mind... specifically the little ones in the nest in my garage
Y'day 6 yr old John Reid told me, "There's a nest in our garage. Right there!"
I didn't know how long they'd been there or what stage they were at--eggs or babies."
Fast fwd to this morning... while sipping coffee I read this from Jimmy Packer:
Come to the Bible hungry and expectant, conscious of daily need to hear God speak. “Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it,” says God (Psa 81:10). The open mouth is a gesture of hunger and dependence. “With open mouth I pant, because I long for thy commandments,” says the psalmist (Psa 119:131). Desire for God, springing from a sense of our need of him, is the factor that decides how much or how little impact Scripture will make upon us.
The open mouth is a gesture of hunger & dependence. The nest! I race out to raise the garage door that has been down since 9pm last nite. I look in the nest. It is not an exaggeration to say that all I saw were..... 2 mouths... opened as wide as they go. And the babies were making this noise that I am sure (though i don't claim to speak bird) was saying, "Feed me. I need your help."
Yep. Shortly I began to see a loving parent come and take care of these little ones. I walked away thinking about what I'd read in Packer and seen in my garage and praying-- "O God, make my heart like that. Would that my experience was more regularly that I would open my Bible with my mouth wide open... hoping. Expecting. From You.
anyway, eating lunch at my desk ... birds are on my mind... specifically the little ones in the nest in my garage
Y'day 6 yr old John Reid told me, "There's a nest in our garage. Right there!"
I didn't know how long they'd been there or what stage they were at--eggs or babies."
Fast fwd to this morning... while sipping coffee I read this from Jimmy Packer:
Come to the Bible hungry and expectant, conscious of daily need to hear God speak. “Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it,” says God (Psa 81:10). The open mouth is a gesture of hunger and dependence. “With open mouth I pant, because I long for thy commandments,” says the psalmist (Psa 119:131). Desire for God, springing from a sense of our need of him, is the factor that decides how much or how little impact Scripture will make upon us.
The open mouth is a gesture of hunger & dependence. The nest! I race out to raise the garage door that has been down since 9pm last nite. I look in the nest. It is not an exaggeration to say that all I saw were..... 2 mouths... opened as wide as they go. And the babies were making this noise that I am sure (though i don't claim to speak bird) was saying, "Feed me. I need your help."
Yep. Shortly I began to see a loving parent come and take care of these little ones. I walked away thinking about what I'd read in Packer and seen in my garage and praying-- "O God, make my heart like that. Would that my experience was more regularly that I would open my Bible with my mouth wide open... hoping. Expecting. From You.
The sky proclaims God's Handiwork
| THE SPACIOUS firmament on high, | |
| With all the blue ethereal sky, | |
| And spangled heavens, a shining frame, | |
| Their great Original proclaim. | |
| The unwearied sun from day to day | 5 |
| Does his Creator’s power display, | |
| And publishes to every land | |
| The work of an almighty hand. | |
| Soon as the evening shades prevail | |
| The moon takes up the wondrous tale, | 10 |
| And nightly to the listening earth | |
| Repeats the story of her birth; | |
| Whilst all the stars that round her burn, | |
| And all the planets in their turn, | |
| Confirm the tidings as they roll, | 15 |
| And spread the truth from pole to pole. | |
| What though in solemn silence all | |
| Move round the dark terrestrial ball? | |
| What though no real voice nor sound | |
| Amid their radiant orbs be found? | 20 |
| In reason’s ear they all rejoice | |
| And utter forth a glorious voice, | |
| Forever singing as they shine, | |
| “The hand that made us is divine.” Joseph Addison (1672–1719) |
Where's the Gospel in Psalm 15?
At first reading, Psalm 15 (our May 14 Psalm reading) makes it sound like:
"If you want to be in the presence of God, you better be pure."
Almost like you earn your way there. Did you notice this? More later this morning?
Psalm 24 is a hint...
"If you want to be in the presence of God, you better be pure."
Almost like you earn your way there. Did you notice this? More later this morning?
Psalm 24 is a hint...
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Psalms at the Seminary Level
| fyi, the lectures and outlines from Covenant Seminary's class on Psalms here Course Syllabus | ||
| 1. Course Information & Syllabus | PDF HTML | |
| 2. Introduction to Course | PDF HTML | |
| 3. How to Read & Apply Biblical Poetry, I | PDF HTML | |
| 4. How to Read & Apply Biblical Poetry, II | PDF HTML | |
| 5. How to Read & Apply Biblical Poetry, III | PDF HTML | |
| 6. How to Read & Apply Biblical Poetry, III (continued) | PDF HTML | |
| 7. Psalms, I | PDF HTML | |
| 8. Psalms, II | PDF HTML | |
| 9. Psalms, III | PDF HTML | |
| 10. Psalms, IV | PDF HTML | |
| 11. Psalms, V | PDF HTML | |
| 12. Psalms, VI | PDF HTML | |
| 13. Psalms, VII | PDF HTML | |
| 14. Psalms, VIII | PDF HTML | |
| 15. Psalms, IX; Imprecatory Psalms | PDF HTML |
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
a gospel & Christ-centered quiet time guide
Here is 1 and a half page pdf file based on teaching of Tim Keller
very good stuff, very brief
Gives some good step by step instructions... for beginners or old-timers who want to re-visit the basics
very good stuff, very brief
Gives some good step by step instructions... for beginners or old-timers who want to re-visit the basics
Keep Me From Presumpteous Sins
meditating on Psalm 19:13:
Our heart, like an ill-tempered horse, is apt to run away. May the grace of God put the bridle upon it and hold it in, that it rush not into mischief. What might not the best of us do if it were not for the checks which the Lord sets on us in both providence and in grace! --Charlie Spurgeon
A message for women
a while back i was asked by a woman -- "A year ago the men of CCC read & met around this topic: 'Sex, Romance, and the Glory of God'... is there anything similar for women to read?"
I would recommend this audio message:
Message to Women
by Carolyn Mahaney MP3 10.2MB
I would recommend this audio message:
Message to Women
by Carolyn Mahaney MP3 10.2MB
Eavesdropping on a conversation...
There is an online debate between an atheist and a Christian. Christopher Hitchins, who has been getting a lot of attention lately, is the atheist. Douglas Wilson is the Christian. The installments are brief. The topic is: "Is Christianity Good for the World?"
Here
Here
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Psalms Memory Work, Mercy Needed
Friends, just a note to say that I made a mistake on Sunday. Actually two:
1.) I made the Psalm 19 memory work longer than it should be
2.) I deleted the other memory work for May
SO.... here is the lowdown
For this Sunday, we will recite together Psalm 19:7-9, using this language:
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the Lord is clean,
enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true,
and righteous altogether.
If you have already memorized other stuff... more power to you and I'm sure God will use it.
Sunday we will give you a handout that contains the memory work for May 20-May 31.
If you are still confused, it is not you. It is still us!
1.) I made the Psalm 19 memory work longer than it should be
2.) I deleted the other memory work for May
SO.... here is the lowdown
For this Sunday, we will recite together Psalm 19:7-9, using this language:
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the Lord is clean,
enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true,
and righteous altogether.
If you have already memorized other stuff... more power to you and I'm sure God will use it.
Sunday we will give you a handout that contains the memory work for May 20-May 31.
If you are still confused, it is not you. It is still us!
Tuesday's Psalm... #16
You Will Not Abandon My Soul
A Miktam of David.
16:1 Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you.”
As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,
in whom is all my delight.
The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply;
their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
or take their names on my lips.
The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
I have set the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure.
For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
or let your holy one see corruption.
You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Monday, May 14, 2007
These Inward Trials
I Asked the Lord That I Might Grow
John Newton
I asked the LORD that I might grow
In faith, and love, and every grace;
Might more of his salvation know,
And seek, more earnestly, his face.
’Twas he who taught me thus to pray,
And he, I trust, has answered prayer!
But it has been in such a way,
As almost drove me to despair.
I hoped that in some favored hour,
At once he’d answer my request;
And by his love’s constraining pow’r,
Subdue my sins, and give me rest.
Instead of this, he made me feel
The hidden evils of my heart;
And let the angry pow’rs of hell
Assault my soul in every part.
Yea more, with his own hand he seemed
Intent to aggravate my woe;
Crossed all the fair designs I schemed,
Blasted my gourds, and laid me low.
LORD, why is this, I trembling cried,
Wilt thou pursue thy worm to death?
“’Tis in this way, the LORD replied,
I answer prayer for grace and faith.
These inward trials I employ,
From self, and pride, to set thee free;
And break thy schemes of earthly joy,
That thou may’st find thy all in me.”
John Newton
I asked the LORD that I might grow
In faith, and love, and every grace;
Might more of his salvation know,
And seek, more earnestly, his face.
’Twas he who taught me thus to pray,
And he, I trust, has answered prayer!
But it has been in such a way,
As almost drove me to despair.
I hoped that in some favored hour,
At once he’d answer my request;
And by his love’s constraining pow’r,
Subdue my sins, and give me rest.
Instead of this, he made me feel
The hidden evils of my heart;
And let the angry pow’rs of hell
Assault my soul in every part.
Yea more, with his own hand he seemed
Intent to aggravate my woe;
Crossed all the fair designs I schemed,
Blasted my gourds, and laid me low.
LORD, why is this, I trembling cried,
Wilt thou pursue thy worm to death?
“’Tis in this way, the LORD replied,
I answer prayer for grace and faith.
These inward trials I employ,
From self, and pride, to set thee free;
And break thy schemes of earthly joy,
That thou may’st find thy all in me.”
Saturday, May 12, 2007
The Book of Revelation
The book of Revelation is often very confusing. Some think, sadly, that it reads like a "How the World will end... FOR DUMMIES". Some of this is because of the commercial success of LEFT BEHIND books. They are, in my humble opinion, poor literature and worse bible teaching.
Example: Whenever I travel outside of Gainesville and hear the venom that is out there for the Ol' Ball Coach... I think, "Y'all don't understand Spurrier. At all." I feel the same way when people think that Left Behind is a good understanding of the Book of Revelation.
So, Pendley, what are some helps? Articles, book recommendations, and sermons... see below
The Chronicles of Jesus and His Victory ... by Scotty Smith is a brief-brief of one aspect of the book.
Article Here
Overview Article by Derek Thomas here
BOOKS: I have both of these in my library and will graciously loan them--on penalty of death if not returned. Or you can get them from amazon.com
by Arturo Azurdia
My mentor & friend Ray Cortese preached through Revelation in 13 sermons available here.
Example: Whenever I travel outside of Gainesville and hear the venom that is out there for the Ol' Ball Coach... I think, "Y'all don't understand Spurrier. At all." I feel the same way when people think that Left Behind is a good understanding of the Book of Revelation.
So, Pendley, what are some helps? Articles, book recommendations, and sermons... see below
The Chronicles of Jesus and His Victory ... by Scotty Smith is a brief-brief of one aspect of the book.
Article Here
Overview Article by Derek Thomas here
BOOKS: I have both of these in my library and will graciously loan them--on penalty of death if not returned. Or you can get them from amazon.com
- Vern S. Poythress, The Returning King: A Guide to the Book of Revelation (P & R)
- Highly recommended basic guide. Good background material, theological content. Best place to start
- Michael Wilcock. The Message of Revelation, The Bible Speaks Today (IVP)
- Part of the IVP "Bible Speaks" series. Good for personal study. Includes study/discussion questions
by Arturo Azurdia
| Apocalypse Now - Introduction | Part 1 | Revelation |
| Apocalypse Now - Introduction | Part 2 | Revelation |
| Apocalypse Now - Introduction | Part 3 | Revelation |
My mentor & friend Ray Cortese preached through Revelation in 13 sermons available here.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Violent Grace
Paul Tripp is spending a ton of time to slowly walk through different aspects of Psalm 51, the famous Psalm he wrote after finally realizing that his adultery with Bathsheba was a devastating tragedy of sin.
We all have a perverse capacity to be comfortable with what God says is wrong. So God blesses us with violent, uncomfortable grace. Yes, He really does love us enough to crush us, so that we would feel the pain of our sin and run to Him for forgiveness and deliverance. David says, "let the bones You have crushed rejoice." (verse 8) It is a curious phrase. Crushed bones and rejoicing don't seem to go together. You wouldn't say, "Hooray, I have a broken bone!" But that is very close to what David is saying. He is using the searing pain of broken bones as a metaphor of the pain of heart that you feel when you really see your sin for what it is. That pain is a good thing!
Think about it. The physical pain of an actual broken bone is worth being thankful for because it's a warning sign something is wrong in that arm or leg. In the same way, God's loving hammer of conviction is meant to break your heart and the pain of heart you feel is meant to alert you to the fact that something is spiritually wrong inside of you. Like the warning signal of physical pain, the rescuing and restoring pain of convicting grace is a thing worth celebrating!
So God's grace isn't always comfortable because He isn't primarily working on our comfort, He's working on our character. With violent grace He will crush us because He loves us and is committed to our restoration, deliverance, and refinement. And that is something worth celebrating!
We all have a perverse capacity to be comfortable with what God says is wrong. So God blesses us with violent, uncomfortable grace. Yes, He really does love us enough to crush us, so that we would feel the pain of our sin and run to Him for forgiveness and deliverance. David says, "let the bones You have crushed rejoice." (verse 8) It is a curious phrase. Crushed bones and rejoicing don't seem to go together. You wouldn't say, "Hooray, I have a broken bone!" But that is very close to what David is saying. He is using the searing pain of broken bones as a metaphor of the pain of heart that you feel when you really see your sin for what it is. That pain is a good thing!
Think about it. The physical pain of an actual broken bone is worth being thankful for because it's a warning sign something is wrong in that arm or leg. In the same way, God's loving hammer of conviction is meant to break your heart and the pain of heart you feel is meant to alert you to the fact that something is spiritually wrong inside of you. Like the warning signal of physical pain, the rescuing and restoring pain of convicting grace is a thing worth celebrating!
So God's grace isn't always comfortable because He isn't primarily working on our comfort, He's working on our character. With violent grace He will crush us because He loves us and is committed to our restoration, deliverance, and refinement. And that is something worth celebrating!
Kiss a Striking Lord
“…. The Psalmist has learned how to Kiss a striking Lord. And how to flee to God even when he knows God’s displeasure with his deeds. Because beyond God’s displeasure with our sin is the greater and deeper and higher love of God grounded in the work of Christ on the cross.” --Samuel Rutherford
encouraging your wife
great words about and to their wives in the dedication page of the book "Cry of the Soul"...
She is beautiful in appearance and in personality. She believes in me, and she encourages my labor--far more, she lives with a depth of love that I yearn to mimic. --Tremper Longman
No one draws my heart to the passion of heaven, no one can break my heart or give me a taste of glory, like you. Your life is a gift exceeded only by the promise of eternity with you. I am grateful that you struggle faithfully to know God and offer the fruits of your journey to your family. --Dan ALLENDER
May God encourage the husbands of Christ Community to use creative language (and actions!) to honor their wives... alone, and in front of the children.
She is beautiful in appearance and in personality. She believes in me, and she encourages my labor--far more, she lives with a depth of love that I yearn to mimic. --Tremper Longman
No one draws my heart to the passion of heaven, no one can break my heart or give me a taste of glory, like you. Your life is a gift exceeded only by the promise of eternity with you. I am grateful that you struggle faithfully to know God and offer the fruits of your journey to your family. --Dan ALLENDER
May God encourage the husbands of Christ Community to use creative language (and actions!) to honor their wives... alone, and in front of the children.
Bono on the Psalms, Part 2
from the fabulous RollingStone interview from a couple years ago
interviewer asks Bono, "You never saw rock & roll -- the so-called devil's music -- as incompatible with religion?"
Bono: Look at the people who have formed my imagination. Bob Dylan. Nineteen seventy-six -- he's going through similar stuff. You buy Patti Smith: Horses -- "Jesus died for somebody's sins/But not mine . . ." And she turns Van Morrison's "Gloria" into liturgy. She's wrestling with these demons -- Catholicism in her case. Right the way through to Wave, where she's talking to the pope.
The music that really turns me on is either running toward God or away from God. Both recognize the pivot, that God is at the center of the jaunt. So the blues, on one hand -- running away; gospel, the Mighty Clouds of Joy -- running towards. And later you came to analyze it and figure it out.
The blues are like the Psalms of David. Here was this character, living in a cave, whose outbursts were as much criticism as praise. There's David singing, "Oh, God -- where are you when I need you?/You call yourself God?" And you go, this is the blues.
Both deal with the relationship with God. --end quote
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Marriage Weekend June 29-July 1st
From time to time we like to remind you that there is help and hope for marriage. One of these is the "Family Life Marriage Conference". The next one that is nearby is June 29-July 1 in Hollywood, Florida. Is that Miami? Ft. Lauderdale? Well, somewhere south of Orlando.
More info
More info
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Memorizing Psalms while watching Lebron
or is it LeBron?
memory work:
Last night I spent some time with my 3 children individually, helping them memorize Psalm 19. A couple of thoughts:
1.) MAN! Did we ever set the bar high for how much we could memorize!!! Psalm 19:7-11, wow.
1a.) When was last time I spent time like this? Too long ago.
2.) Psalm 19 has a pattern
4 names for God's Word/Scripture (law, testimony, precepts, commandment)
4 adjectives describing God's word (perfect, sure, right, pure)
4 effects of God's Word (reviving the soul, making wise the simple, rejoicing the heart, enlightening the eyes)
memory work:
Last night I spent some time with my 3 children individually, helping them memorize Psalm 19. A couple of thoughts:
1.) MAN! Did we ever set the bar high for how much we could memorize!!! Psalm 19:7-11, wow.
1a.) When was last time I spent time like this? Too long ago.
2.) Psalm 19 has a pattern
4 names for God's Word/Scripture (law, testimony, precepts, commandment)
4 adjectives describing God's word (perfect, sure, right, pure)
4 effects of God's Word (reviving the soul, making wise the simple, rejoicing the heart, enlightening the eyes)
How to Love a Wayward Child, from a former one
Many parents are brokenhearted and completely baffled by their unbelieving son or daughter. They have no clue why the child they raised well is making such awful, destructive decisions. I’ve never been one of these parents, but I have been one of these sons. Reflecting back on that experience, I offer these suggestions to help you reach out to your wayward child. --Abraham Piper, son of John & Noel Piper
1. Point them to Jesus Christ
2. Pray
3. Acknowledge that something is wrong.
4. Don’t expect them to be Christ-like.
5. Welcome them home6. Plead with them more than you rebuke them.
7. Connect them to believers who have better access to them.8. Respect their friends.
9. Email them.
10. Take them to lunch.
11. Take an interest in their pursuits.12. Point them to Christ.
Entire Article is here
Wednesday Psalm Reading: Psalm 5 & 6
How's the Psalm reading going? Rhymes with Palm Reading, huh? Sounds mystical. So, how's it going?
Been good for me so far. Have had some good conversations with folks about what they are reading.
By the way, what if you fail? There are some of you who forgot until reading this, I'm sure. Don't sweat. Don't try to "make it up" or catch up. Start today.
Psalm 5 & 6 amaze me with their honesty!
Been good for me so far. Have had some good conversations with folks about what they are reading.
By the way, what if you fail? There are some of you who forgot until reading this, I'm sure. Don't sweat. Don't try to "make it up" or catch up. Start today.
Psalm 5 & 6 amaze me with their honesty!
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
"I am so angry!"
God, Anger, the Psalter
While reading psalms I see there is alot about anger... I'm trying to compile some stuff for at least one sermon on anger this summer... but here's some samples for those who need to learn more now...
1. Paul Tripp, a counselor who has shaped much of my thinking about how the gospel changes us has an online lecture entitled"Anger is one of God's most beautiful characteristics."
you can find it here
2. Years ago I remember great gospel work when I went through 3 bible studies on anger with a young man. Here is the intro to those 3 articles... (I"ll seek to post them later)
Every human being deals with anger. In a world of disappointments, imperfections, miseries, and sins (our own and others’), anger is a given. You get angry.
I get angry. Those you counsel get angry. No doubt that’s why the Bible comes packed with stories, teachings, and comments about anger: God intends us to
understand anger and to know how anger problems can be resolved.
What is anger? How do we make sense of it? Let’s begin with five general statements about something we often experience but seldom stop to understand.
1. The Bible is About Anger
2. Anger is Something You Do
3. Anger is Natural
4. Anger is Learned
5. Anger is a Moral Matter
While reading psalms I see there is alot about anger... I'm trying to compile some stuff for at least one sermon on anger this summer... but here's some samples for those who need to learn more now...
1. Paul Tripp, a counselor who has shaped much of my thinking about how the gospel changes us has an online lecture entitled"Anger is one of God's most beautiful characteristics."
you can find it here
2. Years ago I remember great gospel work when I went through 3 bible studies on anger with a young man. Here is the intro to those 3 articles... (I"ll seek to post them later)
Every human being deals with anger. In a world of disappointments, imperfections, miseries, and sins (our own and others’), anger is a given. You get angry.
I get angry. Those you counsel get angry. No doubt that’s why the Bible comes packed with stories, teachings, and comments about anger: God intends us to
understand anger and to know how anger problems can be resolved.
What is anger? How do we make sense of it? Let’s begin with five general statements about something we often experience but seldom stop to understand.
1. The Bible is About Anger
2. Anger is Something You Do
3. Anger is Natural
4. Anger is Learned
5. Anger is a Moral Matter
Listening to the Psalms
Stephen Addcox sent me the note below. FYI, the Psalms are on my ipod and I find it helpful too.
One of the things that I love about the Psalms is how well they read aloud. I find that listening to them is often a more enriching experience than reading them. Recently I discovered that BibleGateway.com has free audio Bibles (including ESV) that you can use with RealPlayer. Here's the link:
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/audio/. The guy who does the reading, Max McLean is quite good; he's a Christian performance artist from New York, and he has a very distinctive and well-cadenced voice.
One of the things that I love about the Psalms is how well they read aloud. I find that listening to them is often a more enriching experience than reading them. Recently I discovered that BibleGateway.com has free audio Bibles (including ESV) that you can use with RealPlayer. Here's the link:
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/audio/. The guy who does the reading, Max McLean is quite good; he's a Christian performance artist from New York, and he has a very distinctive and well-cadenced voice.
Complaining to God... has a place
This Sunday we'll look at Psalm 6. It is raw.
"God, I'm languishing." "My bones are troubled." John Calvin says that these kinds of psalms teach us to resist a wrong tendency we have to "play it close to the chest" but rather to "relieve ourselves" by pouring out our hearts to God.
"We have a diseased but deeply-rooted principle in our nature, which leads us to hide our griefs, and ruminate upon them, instead of relieving ourselves at once by pouring out our prayers and complaints before God." -John Calvin
Pastors Retreat for Planning, Prayer, and Frisbee Golf
Just got back from 36 hrs away with Matthews. We went to Camp Kulaqua in High SPrings to:
-- have some extended time in prayer for the church
-- have some extended time of planning for the church
We wound up playing about 3 or 4 rounds of frisbee golf. For the record, I smoked him. This is despite the fact that:
a.) I've never played
b.) he plays about twice a week
Nonetheless, we had a very encouraging time and I'm looking forward to seeing our plans and thoughts made better as we bring them to staff, elders, and other leaders. Thank you for your prayers for us and for the joy
-- have some extended time in prayer for the church
-- have some extended time of planning for the church
We wound up playing about 3 or 4 rounds of frisbee golf. For the record, I smoked him. This is despite the fact that:
a.) I've never played
b.) he plays about twice a week
Nonetheless, we had a very encouraging time and I'm looking forward to seeing our plans and thoughts made better as we bring them to staff, elders, and other leaders. Thank you for your prayers for us and for the joy
Friday, May 04, 2007
Christian Freedom
A really good article that I find myself revisiting regularly, and therefore want to make you aware of ... was written by the cat who taught us (Matthews, Pendley, Lammers) ETHICS at Covenant Seminary. I'm thinking of it this week because Psalm 2:11 says to serve the Lord with fear. This always leads to the question, what type of fear? Here's Jones:
We should note that the Scriptures use the word "fear" in two distinct senses. There is the fear of terror and dread, and there is the fear of veneration and honor. The fear of terror makes us want to run away and hide; the fear of honor leads us to stand in awe and worship. The Gospel removes the fear of terror as a source of motivation in the Christian life. Punishment has no power to rehabilitate.
...to be motivated by the threats of the law is sub-Christian. In the words of
Toplady's great hymn:
"The terrors of law and of God / With me can have nothing to do; / My Saviour's
obedience and blood / Hide all my transgressions from view."
The liberty which Christ hath purchased for believers under the gospel consists in their freedom from the guilt of sin, the condemning wrath of God, the curse of the moral law; and, in their being delivered from this present evil world, bondage to Satan, and dominion of sin; from the evil of afflictions, the sting of death, the victory of the grave, and everlasting damnation; as also, in their free access to God, and their yielding obedience unto him, not out of slavish fear, but a childlike love and willing mind (Westminster Confession of Faith, ch20.1).
We should note that the Scriptures use the word "fear" in two distinct senses. There is the fear of terror and dread, and there is the fear of veneration and honor. The fear of terror makes us want to run away and hide; the fear of honor leads us to stand in awe and worship. The Gospel removes the fear of terror as a source of motivation in the Christian life. Punishment has no power to rehabilitate.
...to be motivated by the threats of the law is sub-Christian. In the words of
Toplady's great hymn:
"The terrors of law and of God / With me can have nothing to do; / My Saviour's
obedience and blood / Hide all my transgressions from view."
The liberty which Christ hath purchased for believers under the gospel consists in their freedom from the guilt of sin, the condemning wrath of God, the curse of the moral law; and, in their being delivered from this present evil world, bondage to Satan, and dominion of sin; from the evil of afflictions, the sting of death, the victory of the grave, and everlasting damnation; as also, in their free access to God, and their yielding obedience unto him, not out of slavish fear, but a childlike love and willing mind (Westminster Confession of Faith, ch20.1).
Psalm 2
This psalm was used by God's people of old--the Hebrew nation--at the installation of their kings. It also pointed forward to the ultimate King, the Lord Jesus. One verse that I've been asked (and wondered myself) about is 2:7. Specifically, "Today I have begotten you..."
What is the begotten?
When is the today?
Much ink spilled here... and i've read good bit of it in preparation to preach. I'm convinced by the following interpretation:
"The begetting is of the incarnate Son--not the eternal begetting... and it marks the completion and the acceptance of Jesus' redeeming mission to our world." --Philip E. Hughes
The Apostle Paul quotes this verse when preaching the resurrection of Jesus in Acts 13, giving us reason to believe that the DAY spoken of here is the day of his glorious victory and vindication... Easter!
What is the begotten?
When is the today?
Much ink spilled here... and i've read good bit of it in preparation to preach. I'm convinced by the following interpretation:
"The begetting is of the incarnate Son--not the eternal begetting... and it marks the completion and the acceptance of Jesus' redeeming mission to our world." --Philip E. Hughes
The Apostle Paul quotes this verse when preaching the resurrection of Jesus in Acts 13, giving us reason to believe that the DAY spoken of here is the day of his glorious victory and vindication... Easter!
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
His love will never die
"It is not like the Lord to cast off those whom He loves.
He chose us from eternity and He will love us throughout eternity.
He loved us so as to die for us and we may therefore be sure
His love will never die." C.H. Spurgeon
His love will never die." C.H. Spurgeon
Psalm 2--Kiss the Son
However great thy guilt, however enormous thy transgression, if thou art now willing to be reconciled, God has made thee willing, and he would not have put the will if he did not intend to gratify it. There is nothing that can keep thee from Christ if thou art willing to come. Christ casts out none that desire to be saved. There is in his heart enough for all that seek him, enough for each, enough for evermore. Oh! think not that Christ is ever slower than we are. We never love him before he loves us. If our heart loves him, his soul loved us long ago. and if we are now willing to be reconciled to him, let us rest assured that Jehovah's melting heart yearns to clasp his us to his breast. ---Spurgeon on Psalm 2
He also says that the kiss of Psalm 2 has 4 meanings:
1.) Reconciliation ("Jesus, we are at peace.")
2.) Allegiance & homage ("Jesus, I will follow you.")
3.) Worship ("Jesus, you are worthy of all that I am.")
4.) Affection ("Jesus, I love you.")
He also says that the kiss of Psalm 2 has 4 meanings:
1.) Reconciliation ("Jesus, we are at peace.")
2.) Allegiance & homage ("Jesus, I will follow you.")
3.) Worship ("Jesus, you are worthy of all that I am.")
4.) Affection ("Jesus, I love you.")
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