August 29, 2013

Returning to JOY!

August 29, 2013/ Jeremy Loyd

I have this recurring image. It began in worship one Sunday years ago. I was struggling emotionally about some issue. Then out of the blue, I had a sense, not a literal vision, but rather a picture in my spirit. The picture was of Jesus and me climbing a mountain. He had me by the hand and was carrying a "Santa-like" sack on His back.

Suddenly He stopped climbing and turned to me saying, "We can't go up any higher until you throw that burden you are carrying into my sack. You need to let ME carry it!"

So I threw it in! And oh, the JOY and peace...and we kept climbing together!

Now often when I'm struggling with an offense, a disappointment, a slight, a rejection, whatever, I see and hear my Traveling Companion, my Guide, my Empowering Savior say, "Okay, Jan, throw it in! We can't go any higher if you don't!"

And when I throw my burden in Jesus' sack, freedom and JOY flood my soul! Then we can go on climbing hand in hand together, why? Because...

...the JOY of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10

How about you? Do you have a burden that you weren't meant to carry? Throw it into Jesus sack! Return to JOY and keep on climbing hand in hand with Him!

Lord, take me higher and higher in my experience of YOU and all there is of Your Fulness! The world has a downward drag! But I cling to You, rejoicing in my Risen, Indwelling Son of God! Amen!

It is God's will that I should cast On Him my care each day; He also bids me not to cast My confidence away.

But oh, I am so foolish That when taken unawares, I cast away my confidence And carry all my cares. T. Baird

...casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 NKJV

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. Psalm 55:22 NIV

Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. Hebrews 10:35 NKJV

August 15, 2013

The Sunrise Club

August 15, 2013/ Jeremy Loyd

I have a Sunrise Club. My brother Conrad and I are charter members. Whenever I go to the coast in NJ, I must get up to see at least one sunrise. Often Conrad would call me to make sure I was up, and he would join me. Through the years, various members of extended, as well as immediate, family would sometimes come along. But no one seriously devoted to it like Conrad and me, until...

My grandson Kaden decided to join my club. He knew full well that the basic requirement is to see at least one sunrise. So that we did early one morning last year when I visited Kaden in California. We saw the sun gloriously arise over the mountains to the east of their home in Menifee.

However, as we East Coast sunrise watchers all know, the Cadillac of all sunrises takes place over the ocean. And so this summer Kaden joined me for one of those glorious events...enjoyed every day by fishermen and early morning beach-combers alike.

We even were able to get Kaden's cousins (2 of my other grandsons), Evan & Carter, to get up to watch a sunrise in Virginia Beach on their vacation. So our number is increasing!

Jeremy with Evan and Carter — jeremy with evan and carter

Cortney with the boys — with the boyscortney

You may ask why I love sunrises so much? Because to me a sunrise is a magnificent picture of the manifested glory of our God. Listen to what the psalmist says,

The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard.[a] Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world. God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding.It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race.The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end. Nothing can hide from its heat. Psalm 19:1-6 NLT

It gets so exciting when after the gorgeous array of color of the early dawn, the tiny sliver of sun begins to peek forth. And then the reflection on the water...Oh my!

But as we all know, especially sunrise watchers, many days we are disappointed by no visible glory. The clouds, the rain, the fog, the haze may all obscure the rising of the sun. But we all know that the sun has still risen, often with a silvery beauty all its own.

How do we know that the sun has arisen? By faith! Because we know that we know that we know that the sun rises every day!

And that's why I now love all sunrises -- because each and every one is a picture of the glory of God, some times more manifested than at other times.

Isn't that also true about life? Sometimes God manifests Himself in tangible ways, like in the love of a mother for her child, in an encouraging note from a friend, in a deep experience in prayer and worship. But then at other times, His glory is obscured, as in the death of a loved one, the suffering of rejection, the struggles of financial need. It's then that by faith we can say, "I know that I know that...

I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth!" Job 19:25 NIV

So maybe you'd like to get up early one morning and view a sunrise. Enjoy the glory of God in its amazing magnificence or the glory of God in its magnificent obscurity, remembering that

...faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 ESV

And no matter what kind of sunrise it is, let me know if you'd like to join my Sunrise Club...or better yet, my SONrise Club!

My Redeemer

Who taught the sun where to stand in the morning Who told the ocean you an only come this far? Who showed the moon where to hide 'til evening Whose words alone can catch a falling star?

Well I know my Redeemer lives I know my Redeemer lives All of creation testify This life within me cries I know my Redeemer lives

The very same God that spins things in orbit He runs to the weary, the worn and the weak And the same gentle hands that hold me when I'm broken They conquered death to bring me victory

Now I know my Redeemer lives I know my Redemer lives Let all creation testify Let this life wihtin me cry I know my Redeemer, He lives

To take away my shame And He lives forever I'll proclaim That the payment for my sin Was the precious life He gave But now He's alive And there's an empty grave.

And I know my Redeemer, He lives I know my Redeemer lives Let all creation testify This life within me cries I know my Redeemer lives

To my Brother on his 60th Birthday

August 05, 2013/ Jeremy Loyd

Dearest Conrad Happy 60th birthday! This is a momentous occasion. I know people might say that 60 is the new 50, but I'm sorry, 60 is 60!

I remember when I turned 60, I thought to myself,

Oh my gosh! Daddy died at 60! I still feel I have lots of living left in me!

And I know you do too!

Now by God's grace in your 60's, you too will be receiving each day as a gift to be embraced more fully than ever before.

And so that's my prayer for you, dear brother -- that you will fulfill God's purpose for your life everyday that you walk on this earth. It's all gift...and it's all grace...and so are YOU to all who know and love you.

With love & admiration always Your big sister Janet

July 25, 2013

Doors...One always Open, one to keep tighly shut

July 25, 2013/ Jeremy Loyd

LORD, I'm scared! I feel something ugly and destructive arising. The combativeness of my imposter-flesh is rearing it's ugly head...seeking to burst forth! It scares me that in a moment of weakness, I may open the door to that ugly monster, disguised as "rights" and promising "satisfaction." If I choose to open to it, forgetting that I died to that nasty, already dead thing, it will flood out to destroy everybody and everything in its wake.

You and I have been friends long enough for me to know that whatever I open up (yield) to controls me. That dead thing, behind that padlocked door is awaiting final destruction. Why would I yield to it and unlock the door? Your door is always open...in fact YOU are the DOOR!

I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. Revelation 3:8 ESV

I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. John 10:9 ESV

I yield to YOU, O precious Savior. Carry me along in YOUR loving way. May your indwelling, empowering LIFE have control...bringing harmony, peace, joy, love...responses rather than reactions. By Your mercy and grace...that YOU might be satisfied and honored...unto YOUR purpose and pleasure today and always. Amen.

For more on the ins and outs of the flesh in the Christian life see: UNION-with-CHRIST-a-summary

July 16, 2013

Ordained...for the purpose and pleasure of God!

July 16, 2013/ jan

Sunday I witnessed a moving ceremony, the ordination to ministry of a "native son" of our church. Not only was he born in the church, but he also came to the Lord, was baptized, grew up, and then was sent out as a missionary. In the ceremony, there was the recognition of God's calling and gifting of this young man with the laying on of hands and prayer by the elders of the church. So as you can imagine, it was a day of great celebration, not only for him personally, but also for his family, friends, and congregation. Since then, I've been thinking about ordination. What exactly is it, and what does it entail.

July 11, 2013

a double whammy for women?

July 11, 2013/ Jeremy Loyd

I had an arresting thought the other day! There at the First Watch restaurant, during a lovely mid-morning brunch with a friend, in the midst of a conversation about the struggles we face in our jobs, something dawned on me that I had never thought of before...or heard from anyone (unless it was, at the time, a "senior moment"). Pouring out from my lips came this truth:

You know, Linda. It just dawned on me that we working women are laboring under both curses: the one for Adam as well as the one for Eve!

In case you have forgotten, the curse on Eve, because of her choice of independence from God instead of dependence, was:

I will sharpen the pain of your pregnancy, and in pain you will give birth. And you will desire to control your husband, but he will rule over you. Genesis 3:16 NLT

For those of us who have given birth, we know that pain well. And the curse carries further into the "birthing" and "nurturing" of relationships. Our relationships are so important to us women and, therefore, the cause of most of our pain in life. And need I say anything about the interesting "tugs of war" we experience in our marriages? At times, I've thought of my husband as my "Beloved Adversary," to be perfectly honest.

But as if that weren't enough, it seems that we've taken on Adam's curse as well:

...the ground is cursed because of you. All your life you will struggle to scratch a living from it. It will grow thorns and thistles for you, though you will eat of its grains. By the sweat of your brow will you have food to eat until you return to the ground from which you were made. For you were made from dust, and to dust you will return. Genesis 3:17-19 NLT

So as we go out into the workplace, things don't come easily as we try to "scratch out a living" (or help our husbands to do so). There are problems in the job itself, not enough money, "irregular people" and the list goes on.

So how do we handle it all? How did the Proverbs 31 woman bear up under the load? (It seems even she was out in the workplace at times in her life). I don't have any new, amazing insights except what is true about all of life no matter what the situation:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3: 5-6 NLT

...a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Proverbs 30:30 NLT

Any thoughts?

June 19, 2013

We become like what we focus on!

June 19, 2013/ jan

LBI...Long Beach Island, New Jersey -- sun, surf, and sweet memories. Home of Surf City and Barnegat Lighthouse! LBI was a favorite place for us Renners to vacation in our growing up years in the 1950's & 60's -- not every year but as many years as our family of 6 (and later 7) kids and 2 parents, living on one income, could afford.

It was such a beloved place that my brother Conrad and family bought a beach house there in 1998...within a block from the beach, no less!

One year, when our kids were grown but not yet married and out of the nest, we had the most wonderful Renner family reunion at LBI. Conrad scouted out other houses on his street that were for rent. And so several of us rented for the same week, and we all (along with in-laws, friends, and pets) descended upon that little beach community.

It was a glorious week, filled with swimming, sun-bathing, sunrise watching, etc etc. But the best thing was the love and togetherness and community that "happened". We shared meals together, each family taking a turn.

A year or two later, some of us rented houses again at LBI. I was hoping to recapture the same experience of that previous vacation together. Well, you know how that goes. Recapturing "glory" usually never happens. And it certainly didn't happen this time...or so I thought!

For one thing, we all couldn't make it...for various valid reasons. On top of that, my brother Paul's family, including his sister-in-law's family, rented a house that was germ infested (probably from the previous renters). Everyday other members of their families "would drop like flies" with a terrible flu-bug. So there was often a "skeletal crew" on the beach from that household.

We didn't eat together like the other year. There was little to no fellowship or community because of struggles going on in individual lives. My widowed mom, then in her mid-70"s, was staying with us. (Remember her? My hero in a previous post!) She was frustrated with issues related to our family house, which was too much for her to handle at that stage of her life! (We probably had waited too long to move her elsewhere.) So our conversations were largely negative. She had to get it off her chest, but with my expectations for a nice relaxed vacation, I was hardly as sympathetic as I could have been.

Not to bore you with too many negative details, let's just say that to me the vacation was a total bust! And I left LBI mad, mad, mad...and feeling cheated! For the 11 hour drive home from NJ to OH, I seethed. I couldn't sleep that night! And I stayed stuck for days despite dealing with some issues I needed to deal with. Until...

Until the Lord broke through, "Enough! Now it's over! You've dealt with what I told you. NOW when you think of this vacation, I want you to focus on the one hour of joyful bliss we had together."

Oh my goodness! I had forgotten about that because of my absorption with my disappointment!

It was the Wednesday of vacation week. I woke up at 5:45 am totally awake. Grabbing a cup of coffee at Bageleddi's (the local favorite), I walked alone to the beach. It was warm, and the sun had just started to come up but was not yet visible. The cloud bank above the ocean was turning shades of pink, purple, and blue...and then the sliver of sun started to appear on the horizon. I opened my Bible and read in the Psalms,

The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship... God has made a home in the heavens for the sun. It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding. It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race. The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end. Psalm 19:1,4-6

So Jesus and I walked and talked together that glorious morning -- perfect rest in Him, enjoying together the most gorgeous sunrise I had truly ever seen. And I had forgotten it all!

So whenever negative thoughts about vacation would start to again flood my mind, I remembered this one joyful hour of bliss with my Lord.

As the days went by, something amazing started to happen.

Other pleasant memories of our vacation started to surface: like my early morning walk to the beach only to discover a delightful sight -- my brothers and nephews fishing in the surf; and the fun supper at the Mud Hut with my husband and adult children; and a surprisingly wonderful conversation with an in-law that I didn't typically connect with.

By God's grace, He saved me from a root of bitterness in my heart. As I began to reflect on what had happened in me, I started to realize what I've come to believe is a spiritual principle: We become like what we focus on.

I remembered some of my favorite passages of Scripture:

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another... For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Cor 3:18: 4:6 ESV

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Col 3:1-4 NIV

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things... And the God of peace will be with you. Phil 4:8

So here's the question, dear friends: What's your attitude, your frame of mind, like right now?

Maybe you need to hear the Lord say (as I did), "Focus on Me and remember joy!"

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3

June 15, 2013

Birthday Blog -- All of Grace!

June 15, 2013/ Jeremy Loyd

Testimony of a Recovering Legalist: Yes, that's me...and it's all about one word...GRACE, God's miraculous and matchless GRACE.

So on this my birthday, I want to praise the Name of the HOLY ONE...for saving every day and sanctifying every day...this needy, but Christ-filled daughter of His!

This is my song! Every line has been my life...and I praise Him that...

He who began a good work in [me] will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Phil 1:6

Grace and Nothing More!

I thought while on this voyage long My strength God would increase And at some point along the way My struggling would cease I fought with boldness, wind and wave And yet the skirmish lost Exhausted, all provision gone The channel still uncrossed As lifeless I in stillness drift Just strength enough to pray It's only then I feel the surge That speeds me on my way

By His own hand and faithfulness He steers me toward a distant shore And the wind that billows in the sail Is grace and nothing more Yes, it's grace and nothing more

I seek the bloom of holiness He leads me deep within Reveals the hardness of my heart Unearths my hidden sin My barren soul groans in despair In brokenness I cry Oh, God, I find no hope in me A smile His sweet reply For where the tears of brokenness Have soaked the fallow ground The tender shoots of holiness Now spring up all around

Strength in my weakness Joy through the pain Hope when I'm helpless Loss my greatest gain

By His own hand and faithfulness He steers me toward a distant shore And the wind that billows in the sail Is grace and nothing more Yes, it's grace and nothing more

CHRIST IN ME, the hope of glory! Colossians 1:27 June 16, 1947

June 13, 2013

Thinking of Spiritual Fathers

June 13, 2013/ Jeremy Loyd

I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. 1 John 2:13,14 ESV

This Fathers Day I'm thinking about spiritual fathers. I've been blessed to have some. My life has been forever enriched by being "spiritually fathered" by these people of God.

This year one of them, Dr. Howard Hendricks, went home to be with the Lord. You may have been fathered by him also through his books and messages.

Back in the early 1980's, when my husband was at Dallas Theological Seminary, I had the privilege to take two classes with Dr. Hendricks ("Prof"): Hermeneutics and Bible Study Methods and the Christian Home. His classes were immensely practical, encouraging, exciting, and motivating. One of his quotes I have never forgotten is "You cannot impart what you do not possess."**

His life and teaching had an impact on many, many others besides myself. In fact, people like Chuck Swindoll, David Wilkinson, and others trace their growth of their vision and ministry back to the mentoring of this man of God. [To read the article about his life in the DTS magazine, click here.]

But these days, I'm also thinking about another spiritual father, the apostle John. In His first epistle, the elder apostle penned a tenderhearted passage on the growth stages in a believer's life (1 John 2:12-14 ESV). Did you notice that he repeats two times the exact same description of the "father stage" of spiritual growth?

"...you know Him who has been from the beginning."

"You know GOD in His pure Person...the great I AM, the Burning Bush God, Jehovah!" Nothing else is needed...nothing else distracts. There's a total focus on the Ever-Present God and what HE is doing...especially in the lives of people.

Henri Nouwen, in his wonderful book The Return of the Prodigal talks about how we are each ultimately called to be the "father (or mother)" in others' lives.

...my final vocation is indeed to become like the Father and to live out His divine compassion in my daily life...every son and daughter has to choose to step beyond their childhood and become father and mother for others. It is a hard and lonely step to take... Return of the Prodigal, p121.

Nouwen talks about three ways to truly compassionate fatherhood: grief, forgiveness, and generosity. All three of these characteristics require a heart completely empty of self-seeking, a heart that steps over our own stuff and pours itself out for others. This is where the Father seeks to take His children as they "grow up" in Him.

I love the image of "stepping over our own stuff." It has helped me many a time in conversation or in situations to remember that as I mature in God I must be willing to step over this conflict, that slight, the other hurt, etc. That's the way of the Father...and the way of fathers and mothers who walk in His way on behalf of His children:

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Eph 5:1-2 ESV

Do you have any spiritual fathers in your life? If so, thank God and imitate their faith! If not, ask God for some...they are treasures! And then grow to become one!

Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Hebrews 13:7 ESV

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**"PROF-isms" sayings of Professor Howard Hendricks

A belief is what you argue about; a conviction is what you die for.

You cannot impart what you do not possess.

You can impress from a distance, but you can only impact up close.

You teach what you know, but you reproduce what you are.

When God measures a man he puts the tape around the heart, not the head.

Jesus never discipled one-on-one.

There are many things in life you “can do” for God. And the more success you have, the more opportunities will come. (You will know more people, you will have more resources, etc.) But most opportunities are distractions in disguise. Therefore find the one thing you “must do” for God. You focus on the depth of your relationship [with God]; let Him determine the scope of your ministry A good leader has a compass in their head and a magnet in their heart. Spend the rest of your life doing what God prepared you to do. The secret to concentration is elimination.

Nothing is more common that unfulfilled potential.

Biblically speaking, to hear and not to do is not to hear at all.

The size of your God determines the size of everything.

People tell me they want to make the bible relevant. Nonsense. The Bible is already relevant. You're the one that's irrelevant.

Never traffic in unpracticed truth.

All people are born originals, but most die a copy.

Heaven is a Person: Jesus Christ.

There's no such thing as faith apart from risk-taking. Creativity takes risks. The people who are most secure in Jesus Christ shouldn't be scared to try new things.

Our problem is that we are in the Word but not under the Word.

Most people don’t think, they just rearrange their prejudices.

Your career is what you're paid to do; your calling is what you're made to do.

My fear is not that you would fail, but that you will succeed in doing the wrong thing.

You are able to do many things. Be sure you find the one thing you must do.

Your strengths develop your confidence; your weaknesses develop your faith.

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I live...yet not I, CHRIST!

May 28, 2013/ Jeremy Loyd

About nine years ago, our son-in-law was stationed in Tucson, Arizona [home of our Alma Mater, the U of A, "Go Wildcats!" But I digress...]. When the school year for my ESOL class had ended in June, I flew to Tucson for an extended visit. Beth and Nate were both working during the daytime, so I had some lovely, restful, sun-filled (and "Son-filled") time alone by the pool. At that time, I was reading some of Brennan Manning's books.

One day I was reading The Signature of Jesus as I soaked up the Arizona sun by the pool. I was somewhat annoyed to see that a man lying on a lounge nearby was straining to see what I was reading. He struck up a conversation, and I found out that he was a chemist from Oregon. Then the question came, "What are you reading? What's it about?"

When I told him about the book, he replied, "You must be a devout Christian."

I replied, somewhat ashamed at my original annoyance, "Jesus is my Life! I can't imagine living life without Him. There's a Settled Presence no matter what I go through."

My Lord Jesus Christ IS my Life. It wasn't always so. Religious ritual, ministry, being a good wife and mother, health and physical fitness, and such have more often than not, taken top billing. But as I get closer to the end of life on this earth, I realize more and more that all of that is not important compared to the excellency of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord and being found in HIM who is my Life Philippians 3:7-11

As the Apostle Paul declared,

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 ESV

What about you, dear friend? Is He your Life? Or are lesser things competing and winning out? Surrender to Him by faith today...choose HIM!

Lately, I can't stop listening to this song...and singing it at the top of my lungs! Would you like to join me and give Him praise?

Crucified with ChristAs I look back on what I thought was livingI'm amazed at the price I choose to payAnd to think I ignored what really matteredCause I thought the sacrifice would be too greatBut when I finally reached the point of giving inI found the cross was calling even thenAnd even though it took dying to surviveI've never felt so much alive. CHORUS: For I am crucified with Christ and yet I liveNot I but Christ that lives within meHis Cross will never ask for more than I can giveFor it's not my strength but HisThere's no greater sacrificeFor I am crucified with Christ and yet I live

As I hear the Savior call for daily dyingI will bow beneath the weight of CalvaryLet my hands surrender to His piercing purposeThat holds be to the cross but sets me freeI will glory in the power of the crossThe things I thought were gain I count as lossAnd with His suffering I identifyAnd by His resurrection power I am alive

BRIDGE:And I will offer all I haveSo that His cross is not in vainFor I found to live is ChristAnd to die is truly gain

The God of my Mothering: the Unchanging God

May 15, 2013/ Jeremy Loyd

Where had the years gone? Our son Jeremy was already married for 3 years and moving on with life.

Our daughter Beth --the "baby" of the family-- had just graduated from UD, gotten married, and moved to Arizona all in one month. To top it off, our surrogate daughter Michelle, who had lived with us for about 3 years, moved to California a couple days after Beth's wedding.

Here I was with the "Empty Nest." I guess I had lived as if there would always be young people in my home to spice up life. Regrets started flooding in: "I should have relished every moment more consciously." " I should have enjoyed it more, rather than taking everything so seriously." And on and on with those thoughts that "eat you alive".

To add to all that, my mom was turning 80 and my mother-in-law, 81. A friend of ours told us that statistically very few of those who enter their 80's live to be 90. That hit me like a ton of bricks. Chances are, we would be burying our moms in the next 10 years. I guess I had taken it for granted that my hero of a mom would only be a phone call away or a day's drive away.

It wasn't that I didn't have other things in my life. I had a "big" life...teaching ESL class, Bible studies, retreats...

But I was grieving! Emotionally, I went into a months-long melancholy.

I started to ask myself, "What really endures in this life?" In my head, I knew the answer, but I needed an answer for my heart. Everything really important to me was drastically changing, and I guess I hadn't seen it coming! Or maybe, being as independent and self-starting as I am, I didn't realize that it would be so hard!

Well, God, in His usual amazing way, started answering my questions and meeting me in my struggles. In my devotions one day, I read:

In ages past You laidthe foundation of the earth,and the heavens are the work of Your hands.Even they will perish, but You remain forever; they will wear out like an old clothing. You will change them like a garment, and they will fade away. But You are always the same; Your years never end. The children of Your people will live in security.Their children's children will thrive in Your presence. Psalm 102:25-28 NLT

So what really endures no matter the changes in life? The Everlasting GOD and those who belong to Him from generation to generation.

Let me ask you, dear moms,

When the "dust" of your mothering has settled, and you find yourself with "the Empty Nest"... When you start to lose the heroes of the previous generation, and you find yourself nearing the top of the generational ladder... What will stabilize you for the days ahead? To Whom will you turn...Who will never change and will be there for you no matter the changes?

May you find your comfort and stability in our Faithful, Unchanging God. And may you find your purpose in an ever deepening walk with Him.

FAITHFUL ONE Brian Doerksen

Faithful One, so unchanging Ageless One, You’re my Rock of Peace Lord of all, I depend on You I call out to You, again and again I call out to You, again and again

You are my Rock, in times of trouble You lift me up when I fall down All through the storm Your love is the anchor My hope is in You alone

May 05, 2013

Living as Abba's Child: "darling little children"

May 05, 2013/ jan

Years ago, when a friend had lost her last remaining parent, she said to me, “Now I feel like an orphan!” I’ve thought about her statement over the years and come to realize that we believers usually live like spiritual orphans. We live as if we don’t have a Father Who tenderly loves and cares for us. We live as orphans in a scary world. But His heart is that we would live as His children in union with Him in His Son.

May 03, 2013

Living as Abba's Child: Learning from Jesus {a Bible Study}

May 03, 2013/ jan

The most basic of human relationships is that of parent and child. The Parent-child metaphor is perhaps the most tender picture of our relationship with God as believers. This is so movingly expressed in the Scriptures by the Hebrew term for Father God “Abba,” meaning “Daddy.” How appropriate then (as we go into the months celebrating mothers, fathers, and children) to take a break from the blog-type format.

Let’s do a little digging into the Scriptures. (You may like to do this for your own devotions or as a small group study.)

Warm-up Questions: 1. Read Children Incognito.

2. What are some characteristics of a child? Do you ever feel that way inside?

3. Can you identify with the key thought? How? “We are all just little children locked up in adult bodies, trying to live adult lives in an adult world.”

4. What do you think about the proposed solution? “The only way we can live an adult life in an adult world is by living as a ‘child’ in relationship with our Father.”

Jesus’ attitude toward children:

Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them: for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Mark 10:14

Truly I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me. Matthew 18:3-5

Whoever receives one child like this in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me does not receive Me, but Him who sent Me. Mark 9:37

Jesus Himself called His disciples “little children”. Look at the following with a smile:

John 13:33

John 21:5

How would you summarize Jesus’ attitude toward children?

Jesus, God’s Perfect Child: How did Jesus live as a Child? What can we learn by looking at His relationship with His Abba and our relationship with Him? Look at the following Scriptures to answer these questions:

1. Jesus lived secure in the Father’s love.

Because of the Indwelling Christ (Col 1:27), I can live as Abba’s child, secure in my Father’s love. I can love and be loved in return.

Brennan Manning in his wonderful book, The Rabbi’s Heartbeat, says,

Define yourself as one beloved by God. This is the true self. Every other identity is an illusion. (p.40)

We may do foolish, even downright sinful things, yet as Steve Brown likes to say,

But God is still fond of me.

Can you say the same? Do you know the unconditional love of the Father despite your brokenness? If not, ask the Lord to enable you to experience His love which is greater than life itself.

That leads us into the next point…

2. Jesus lived from His identity as the Son of His Father.

Jesus has been called the “Human Face of God”. He bears the family resemblance. His identity was as the only-begotten Son of His Father. Jesus never lived separate from His Abba.

Because I’m in Christ (1Cor 1:30), I can live as Abba’s child, finding my identity in being the beloved child of the Father. I become like Him as I by faith yield to Him and focus on Him.

The realization that the Father has placed me in Christ His Son and that He, the Perfect Child of the Father, lives in me enables me to live day by day in union with the Father and the Son.

3. Jesus lived with trust and submission to His Father even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

Matthew 26: 36-46

Heb 5: 7-10

As Abba’s child I can trust my Father in every circumstance, no matter how mundane or dark. I can trust in His presence, provision, and purpose.

Application Questions:

1. What keeps you from living as a “child” in relationship with your Abba?

2. What might change if you began living as a child with your Abba, rather than trying to live as an adult on your own?

Brennan Manning states that

The positive qualities of a child—openness, playfulness, simplicity, sensitivity to feelings—restrain us from closing ourselves off to new ideas, surprises of the Spirit, and risky opportunities for growth.

3. Spend some time with the previous questions…and with your Abba. Ask Him to enable you to walk with Him as His beloved, vulnerable child today.

Suggested reading: Gospel of John — look at the relationship between the Father & Jesus the Son Return of the Prodigal by Henri J.M. Nouwen Abba’s Child by Brennan Manning The Rabbi’s Heartbeat by Brennan Manning

[first posted May 2011]

April 28, 2013

Hebrews 13: Living an Unshakable Kingdom Life

April 28, 2013/ Jeremy Loyd

...we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken...Hebrews 12:28 NIV

Ah, the Unshakable Kingdom! And it's ours! It's the promise of Jesus in the New Covenant.

Hear our Lord's words,

Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32 NIV

But what is the New Covenant? What is this "ticket" so to speak, into the Kingdom?

The New Covenant is all about the finished work of Christ through His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension. It's all about total forgiveness of sins, a new heart that is fixed on loving God, and the indwelling Holy Spirit who causes us to walk in HIS ways...and so much more! All received by grace through faith, not striving and working!

And as we come to the end of the letter to the Hebrews, we see that living from who we are as partakers of the New Covenant has certain qualities about it:

1. It's a life of stability (12:15-29). We are receiving a Kingdom that's unshakable, that can't crumble to the ground or be taken over by someone stronger! And it's right here, right now! And this kingdom is characterized by grace and freedom and peace...not fear and dread! It's a kingdom where Jesus is King, and we are His people!

But it's also a kingdom that's not yet! There will be a time when all will be set right; a time when...

...at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Phil 2:10-11 ESV

2. It's a life of brotherly love (13:1-4). We graciously receive and welcome "strangers" -- the invisible, neglected, unknown. We remember prisoners...those physically incarcerated, as well as those imprisoned emotionally and spiritually. Hebrews 13:2 says that we may be receiving angels unaware. But actually, according to the gospels, we serve Christ when we serve the needy. (Matthew 25:31-45)

Phil Yancy, in his book The Jesus I Never Knew, tells about a conversation between a rich American visitor and Mother Teresa. The American couldn't comprehend Mother Teresa's "fierce commitment to the dregs of Calcutta." In response to his confusion, she told him,

We are a contemplative order. First we meditate on Jesus, and then we go out and look for Him in disguise.

Where is He in disguise in our lives?

Maybe He's in disguise in our marriages. Kingdom, New Covenant living is where we do the old-fashioned thing by honoring marriage as God's design...and by treating our spouses as brothers/sisters in the Lord and as friends (S of S 4:9-12;5:1,16).

3. It's a life of contentment (13:5-6). We live free from "devotion" to money...why? Because God Himself is our true Treasure! He says..., so we can say...!

And what does He say?

I will never leave you nor forsake you.

So we can say,

The Lord is my helper;I will not fear;what can man do to me?

4. It's a life of remembering & imitating (13:7-8). We remember, and even study, the "exit" from this life of our spiritual leaders.

As John Piper says,

Beware of living heroes; prefer dead ones...Get heroes, especially dead ones.

Why? They have already heard the Lord's "Well done!" They've made it to the finish line!

So then we can...

...imitate their faith. Why? because...Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

He was faithful to them in the past. He is faithful to us in the present. And He will be faithful to us and to our children and future generations on into the future!

5. It's a life of identification (13:9-14). New Covenant living is not dependent upon religious rituals, foods, feasts, etc. (See Colossians 2:16-17). Our "altar" is the Cross, the finished work of Christ. And what do we "eat" there? We eat Jesus by faith (John 6) and get in Him: forgiveness, righteousness, joy, peace in the Holy Spirit, hope, and so much more (Romans 14:17; 15:13).

And just as Jesus died outside the "camp" (Jerusalem and the religious establishment of His day), so we are also willing to go against the ways of the "camps" we may be part of, when they conflict with the ways our Lord and King are leading us.

What "camps" are you part of today? Your church? your friends? your family? a relationship? your workplace? Do you have to "sell your soul" in order to fit in and feel part of the in-crowd? I'm here to say, DON'T DO IT! Go to HIM outside the camp and be willing to bear HIS reproach...no matter what that may mean!

My husband and I have been part of various, what I call, Christian camps -- different traditions, from very conservative to somewhat chrismatic*. I remember one time moaning and complaining to the Lord,

Lord, I don't fit anywhere!

The Holy Spirit said to my heart,

Congratulations! You can fit everywhere, because you don't fit anywhere! [Read that a couple times slowly!]

Then He reminded me of Jesus who had no place to call His own, who died rejected and abandoned by even His own. And I remembered Jesus' "healthy detachment":

Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name, observing His signs which He was doing. But Jesus, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew all men, and because He did not need anyone to testify concerning man, for He Himself knew what was in man. John 2:23-25 NASB

So our expectations of fitting in can actually lead us to quench the Spirit in our own lives. So again I say, don't do it! "Go to Him outside the camp"...and the delightful surprise may be that there are others outside the camp...maybe waiting for YOU!

6. It's a life of sacrifices (13:15-16). Jesus did the once for all sacrifice! But we as believer-priests (1Peter 2:4-5) offer up spiritual sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving. We are not afraid to acknowledge His name and give Him the credit that is due Him. As Hosea so colorfully says,

We... offer our lips as sacrifices of bulls. (Hosea 14:2, alternate trans)

So we put our lips on the altar and let them pour out with praise and thanksgiving and glory to our great God.

And then of course, we have the sacrifice of doing good and sharing...signs of true faith. As James says,

But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works...For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. James 2:18,26 -- but check out all of James 2 ESV

7. It's a life of submission (13:17-19). We follow God's chosen leaders and make it a joy for them, not a grief. But we realize that they also have "feet of clay" as do their followers. So we pray for them that they finish well!

As John Piper says,

If you're watching [living] leaders, pray like crazy that they make it to the end...that they finish well!

We all know of leaders who have "shipwrecked" later in life...let's support and pray!

8. It's a life of enablement (13:20-21).

Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

One of the richest and most beautiful of benedictions in Scripture tells us that it's not about our adequacy and ability to live this New Covenant life...it's about His equipping and working. What a relief! We are His vessels, His instruments.

Remember, the New Covenant basically says,

God does it; therefore, I do it.

Look at these other passages that say it well...and glory!

2Cor 3:5-6 1Cor 15:10 Gal 2:20 Phil 2:12-13

9. It's a life of listening (13:22-25). So we come full circle. This passage says to "pay attention" (NLT), to hear to listen. Haven't we seen that throughout the letter? It presupposes that when God speaks, we must listen...and so a closing reminder. New Covenant, Unshakable Kingdom living is a life of listening to our Speaking God who has spoken in His Son (Heb 1:1-3)...let us HEAR HIM!

A Mighty Fortress

Our God is, a consuming fire, A burning holy Flame, with glory and freedom Our God is, the only righteous judge, Ruling over us with kindness and wisdom We will keep our eyes on You We will keep our eyes on You

A mighty fortress is our God A sacred refuge is Your Name Your Kingdom is unshakable With You forever we will reign

Our God is, jealous for His own None could comprehend, His love and His mercy Our God is exalted on His throne High above the heavens Forever He’s worthy... We will keep our eyes on You We will keep our eyes on You

We will keep our eyes on You We will keep our eyes on You So we can set our hearts on You Lord we will set our hearts on You!

HIMSELF by A. B. SimpsonOnce it was the blessing, Now it is the Lord; Once it was the feeling, Now it is His Word. Once His gifts I wanted, Now the Giver own; Once I sought for healing, Now Himself alone.

Once 'twas painful trying, Now 'tis perfect trust; Once a half salvation, Now the uttermost. Once 'twas ceaseless holding, Now He holds me fast; Once 'twas constant drifting, Now my anchor's cast.

Once 'twas busy planning, Now 'tis trustful prayer; Once 'twas anxious caring, Now He has the care. Once 'twas what I wanted, Now what Jesus says; Once 'twas constant asking, Now 'tis ceaseless praise.

Once it was my working, His it hence shall be; Once I tried to use Him, Now He uses me. Once the power I wanted, Now the Mighty One; Once for self I labored, Now for Him alone.

Once I hoped in Jesus, Now I know He's mine; Once my lamps were dying, Now they brightly shine. Once for death I waited, Now His coming hail; And my hopes are anchored, Safe within the veil.

For the beautiful sermon connected to this poem by A.B. Simpson, a brother from the past, click here.

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For Ray Stedman's commentary on Hebrews 13, click here.Hebrews 13, Ray Stedman, Faith at Work

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For an enlightening description of the verious traditions of the Christian faith, readStreams of Living Water, by Richard Foster. In that book, Foster goes into the biblical and historical backgrounds of the different traditions ("camps"), as well as the strong points to emulate and the pitfalls to avoid.

April 21, 2013

Hebrews 12: the Father's Sandpaper

April 21, 2013/ jan

It's a precious relationship...but why is it so hard...and painful? We keep "missing" each other! Maybe we don't "get" each other? I keep trying to respect boundaries and be "circumspect" in what I say and do...and then it comes: stuff from the past, mistakes in the present...at times, I am responsible...other times, I feel like I'm damned if I do, damned if I don't.

Not the sweetness and light I keep hoping for!

Lord, why? Why is it so hard? How do I navigate this relationship?

Then comes His still, small voice:

This relationship is Sandpaper in My Hands to shine you up...to get those rough places smooth!

Now how can I argue with that? Thank you, Lord!

It’s the child he loves that he disciplines; the child he embraces, he also corrects[actually, beats to a pulp!]... At the time, discipline isn’t much fun. It always feels like it’s going against the grain.Later, of course, it pays off handsomely, for it’s the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God. Hebrews 12:7,11 Message

Many of you are going through difficulties of every kind...excruciating, even life threatening health problems, mental and emotional heartache, relational stresses, and the list goes on. We have no idea what the Father is doing in His sovereignty. But one thing we can count on is that He is shining us up more and more to look like His glorious Son Who indwells us. So let's embrace Him and our life and believe with all our hearts that nothing is wasted in His almighty, loving Fatherly Hands.

PLEASE click on this link to view an awesome video of this song: Nothing is wasted -- Jason Gray

The hurt that broke your heart And left you trembling in the dark Feeling lost and alone Will tell you hope's a lie But what if every tear you cry Will seed the ground where joy will grow

And nothing is wasted Nothing is wasted In the hands of our Redeemer Nothing is wasted

It's from the deepest wounds That beauty finds a place to bloom And you will see before the end That every broken piece is Gathered in the heart of Jesus And what's lost will be found again

Nothing is wasted Nothing is wasted In the hands of our Redeemer Nothing is wasted

From the ruins From the ashes Beauty will rise From the wreckage From the darkness Glory will shine Glory will shine

Nothing is wasted Nothing is wasted In the hands of our Redeemer Nothing is wasted

From the ruins From the ashes Beauty will rise From the wreckage From the darkness Glory will shine Glory will shine

You might also like to look at "In Pain...two Things I Know"

April 19, 2013

Hebrews 12: Our Turn to Run!

April 19, 2013/ jan

...let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus Hebrews 12: 1-2

God calls us to own our lives...to hug them to our breasts and to live them with all our hearts! No place do we see this truth more clearly than in the letter to the Hebrews, chapter 12.

Using the imagery of running, God says that now it's...

...our turn to run our lap in the race of faith!

And as we run, we each need to remember these truths:

1. I’m part of something bigger than myself.

Since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us... Heb 11:1 - 12:1a

See the Hebrews 11 blog to meditate on this truth.

2. There are hindrances to my running.

...let us also lay aside every encumbrance [weight], and the sin which so easily entangles us... Heb 12: 1b

See Caught in the Web.

3. My lap is uniquely mine.

...and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us... Heb 12: 1c

For encouragement to be who God made you to be and stop comparing yourself to others or letting others deter you by their own insecurity, see: The Green-Eyed Monster and other Fruit Killers

4. My success in running depends on my focus.

...fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart.” Heb 12: 2-3

See Lessons from a Family Vacation: We become like what we focus on. Glory and grace when we focus on HIM!

5. Submission to my “Coach’s” training program is key.

--His process is "discipline" (complete child training):

You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin;and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,Nor faint when you are reproved by Him;

--His motive is love:

For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines,

--His method is ruthless, but fatherly:

And He scourges every son whom He receives.” It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but...

See The Father's Pruning

--His goal is holiness; family resemblance:

He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness.

--His result is fruitfulness--righteousness, peace:

All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

See Return to the Vineyard: Reflections on Growth

--His exhortation is "cooperate":

Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed. Heb 12: 4-13

See Love's Abiding Harvest

6. I must be a “team participant”.

Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears. Hebrews 12: 14-17

It's so easy to get bitter over life's hardships and the "irregular people" in our lives...even "irregular Christian people." Yes, there are fellow teammates who just don't get it...actually we may be one of those at times, huh?

I love this quote by Henri Nouwen entitled, "Stepping Over Our Wounds."

Sometimes we have to "step over" our anger, our jealousy, or our feelings of rejection and move on [a.k.a. run on]. The temptation is to get stuck in our negative emotions, poking around in them as if we belong there. Then we become the "offended one," "the forgotten one," or "the discarded one." Yes, we can get attached to these negative identities and even take morbid pleasure in them. It might be good to have a look at these dark feelings and explore where they come from, but there comes a moment to step over them, leave them behind and travel on [a.k.a. run on]. Bread for the Journey, Henri Nouwen.

Conclusion

Do you see what all this means -- all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running -- never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed -- that exhilarating finish in and with God -- he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that will shoot adrenline into your souls. Hebrews 12: 1 - 3(The Message)

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We’re pilgrims on the journey Of the narrow road And those who’ve gone before us line the way Cheering on the faithful, encouraging the weary Their lives a stirring testament to God’s sustaining grace

Surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses Let us run the race not only for the prize But as those who’ve gone before us Let us leave to those behind us The heritage of faithfulness passed on through godly lives

Chorus Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful May the fire of our devotion light their way May the footprints that we leave Lead them to believe And the lives we live inspire them to obey Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful

After all our hopes and dreams have come and gone And our children sift through all we’ve left behind May the clues that they discover and the memories they uncover Become the light that leads them to the road we each must find

Class notes: MY TURN TO RUN -- Hebrews 12

Homework: Read Hebrews 12:25-13:25 Answer questions in Hoping for Something Better, p. 203-205 Read chapter 10 & Conclusion, Hoping…

April 19, 2013

Hebrews 11: the Pilgrim Spirit of Faith

April 19, 2013/ Jeremy Loyd

We are so tied to the here and now, aren't we? But at the heart of the life of faith is belief in the unseen God and trust in His promises that this world is not all there is. People of faith are "pilgrims," "aliens."

All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth...Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them. Hebrews 11:13,16

A bumper sticker I recently saw says it well,

We are not human [temporal] beings having a spiritual [eternal] experience. We are spiritual [eternal] beings having a human [temporal] experience.

If our existence on this earth is temporal, then it is temporary. And according to God, it's fleeting...and we need to come to grips with that if we are to have the correct perspective of life on earth. So...

...let these Scriptures wash over you, and then humbly worship the unseen God, our Father, Who loves us!

Hear my prayer, O Lord! Listen to my cries for help! Don’t ignore my tears.For I am your guest— a traveler passing through, as my ancestors were before me. Psalm 39:12 NLT

What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord, who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs. The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings. They will continue to grow stronger, and each of them will appear before God in Jerusalem. Psalm 84:5-7 NLT

Your word has been the music of my lifethroughout the years of my pilgrimage. Psalm 119:54

Those who are wise will take all this to heart; they will see in our history the faithful love of the Lord.Psalm 107:43 NLT

Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. James 4:14 NASB

As for man, his days are like grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes. When the wind has passed over it, it is no more, And its place acknowledges it no longer. But the lovingkindness of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children’s children... Psalm 103:15-17 NASB

Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.2 Cor 4:16-18 NASB

So teach us to number our days, That we may present to You a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 NASB

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Who am I, that the lord of all the earth Would care to know my name Would care to feel my hurt? Who am I, that the bright and morning star Would choose to light the way For my ever wandering heart?

Not because of who I am But because of what you've done Not because of what I've done But because of who you are

I am a flower quickly fading Here today and gone tomorrow A wave tossed in the ocean A vapor in the wind Still you hear me when I'm calling Lord, you catch me when I'm falling And you've told me who I am I am yours

Who am I, that the eyes that see my sin Would look on me with love And watch me rise again? Who am I, that the voice that calmed the sea Would call out through the rain And calm the storm in me?

Not because of who I am But because of what you've done Not because of what I've done But because of who you are

I am yours Whom shall I fear? Whom shall I fear? 'Cause I am yours I am yours

April 15, 2013

ABBA's Child: Welcome Home, Brennan

April 15, 2013/ Jeremy Loyd

I've always been a worker bee...a religious, spiritual worker bee...but sincerely so. A God who was straight-faced, hardly cracking a smile, was the One I served. Despite that, I still loved Him, but I wanted Him to smile upon me. My journey took me through the "do & don't" list of my "birth church" to a convent for several years to evangelical Christianity, all the while exchanging one "do & don't" list for another...sincerely so, "born-again" so,...but working, ever working, not for my salvation, but for my sanctification...but sincerely so!

Then after a health breakdown and all, I got to know the Living God...the great I AM! And you know what? He was smiling at me! Why? Because of Jesus and the love of His Abba and MINE!!!!

So when I discovered Brennan Manning's books, way back when, they were pure joy and delight! They were like the sweetest of "fertilizer" for the young plant beginning to grow of "being loved and embraced by my Abba" no matter what!

So I am grateful to God for this "fellow runner" in the "race of faith." He has been one in the magnificent "cloud of witnesses" surrounding me. Hebrews 11-12

I've quoted Manning several times over the past two-plus years at a branch in the Vine. I'd like to share one of my favorites with my Congratulations to a dear brother on his graduation to Glory! You will be missed, dear brother, but we know you would never want to come back!

We are not cowed into timidity by death and life. Were we forced to rely on our own shabby resources we would be pitiful people indeed. But the awareness of Christ's present risenness persuades us that we are buoyed up and carried on by a life greater than our own.
The Christ within who is our hope of glory is not a matter of theological debate or philosophical speculation. He is not a hobby, a part-time project, a good theme for a book, or a last resort when all human effort fails. He is our life, the most real fact about us. He is the power and wisdom of God dwelling within us.
The Rabbi's Heartbeat, Brennan Manning

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I just found this "book trailer" on a link advertising Manning's last book, All is Grace. To my delight and surprise, I noticed that he retired in Belmar, NJ where my mother, brother, and sister live. In fact, it looks like he may have preached at my mom's church, St Rose in Belmar, at some time in the past. Take a look and follow this link to order his book.

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You might also like the series, Abba's Child...some of these posts are based on Brennan Manning's writings.

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A CD by Rich Mullins was playing in my car this week. I thought it would be appropriate to share this song of his (one of my favorites) in memory of Rich's mentor, Brennan Manning. Rich had named his band the Ragamuffin Band after Manning's classic book Ragamuffin Gospel. Both Rich and Brennan are now in heaven, "getting caught up!" Enjoy!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_K93ebKnmhs[/youtube]

If I Stand Rich Mullins

There's more that rises in the morning Than the sun And more that shines in the night Than just the moon It's more than just this fire here That keeps me warm In a shelter that is larger Than this room

And there's a loyalty that's deeper Than mere sentiments And a music higher than the songs That I can sing The stuff of Earth competes For the allegiance I owe only to the giver Of all good things

CHORUS: So if I stand let me stand on the promise That you will pull me through And if I can't, let me fall on the grace That first brought me to You And if I sing let me sing for the joy That has born in me these songs And if I weep let it be as a man Who is longing for his home

There's more that dances on the prairies Than the wind More that pulses in the ocean Than the tide There's a love that is fiercer Than the love between friends More gentle than a mother's When her baby's at her side

And there's a loyalty that's deeper Than mere sentiments And a music higher than the songs That I can sing The stuff of Earth competes For the allegence I owe only to the Giver Of all good things

CHORUS(2x)

And if I weep let it be as a man Who is longing for his home

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View Brennan's obituary and video tribute on his website:

http://brennanmanning.com

April 12, 2013

Hebrews 11: We are Part of Something Bigger than Ourselves!

April 12, 2013/ jan

John Eldridge in his book The Sacred Romance says that deep inside of us is a longing for intimacy and adventure. Here in Hebrews 11, we definitely see both! The intimacy is with a God who spoke us into existence and now can be trusted to care for us every step of the way (we will see this again in Heb 12). And the adventure...oh my! We are part of something bigger than ourselves...and that's exciting! We are in the "race of faith" with a long line of "runners"...some famous, like Abraham and Moses; some infamous and unlikely, like Rahab and Samson; and some unknown, like those who were sawn in two (among other horrors)...people "of whom the world is not worthy," the writer to the Hebrews says (Hebrews 11:38).

What is it enables us to endure, like our fellow runners? It's faith! Not the world's kind of faith, which makes faith a work, or a "name it and claim it," or an "entity" in myself that I need to muster up enough of to get what I want. NO! As Andrew Murray says, "faith is confessed helplessness, casting itself on God [the living God, the "I Am"] and His promises [which are 'yes and amen!']."

So the nature of true, Biblical faith has to do with the unseen and the future. It is confidence in what we don't see: God & His promises; not in what we do see: circumstances, people, things, feelings, etc.

And the outcome of faith is that it puts "a smile on God's face"...it pleases Him. He puts His stamp of approval on us! In fact, He so loves to see faith that He witnesses to it in us...He testifies to it in His children. Remember how God boasted of Job? "Have you observed my servant Job?" That's what God does when He sees true faith!

According to Spiro Zodiates in his Word Studies in the NT, the words, "to be approved, to obtain the testimony, obtained the witness" are all the same Greek word in the passive voice (which means someone else does it). The exciting thing is that God "lauds" [dare I say, "applauds"] us and "reports well" of us because of our faith (which faith, by the way, is a gift, Ephesians 2 :8-9; as is everything in life!)

So this means that God is looking for faith, not perfection! And that is good news to those of us who worship at the altar of "doing the right thing" or "doing it perfectly." It may sound so right to be trying so hard to be perfect or get it right, but where is God in that picture? That sounds more like self-effort and a "works with a smidge of God" type spirituality.

As you reflect on these far-from-perfect-people in Hebrews 11, thank God that, despite your "fluctuations of body and soul," you can walk by faith TODAY, because HE IS and He rewards those who seek HIM...step by step...by faith!

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Homework: Read Hebrews 12:1-24 Answer questions in Hoping for Something Better, p. 201-203 Read chapter 9, Hoping…

Hebrews 11 – Ray Stedman

Class notes -- BY FAITH…Heb 11

BY FAITH Keith & Kristen Getty

By faith we see the hand of GodIn the light of creation's grand designIn the lives of those who prove His faithfulnessWho walk by faith and not by sight

By faith our fathers roamed the earthWith the power of His promise in their heartsOf a holy city built by God's own handA place where peace and justice reign

We will stand as children of the promiseWe will fix our eyes on Him our soul's rewardTill the race is finished and the work is doneWe'll walk by faith and not by sight

By faith the prophets saw a dayWhen the longed-for Messiah would appearWith the power to break the chains of sin and deathAnd rise triumphant from the grave

By faith the church was called to goIn the power of the Spirit to the lostTo deliver captives and to preach good newsIn every corner of the earth

We will stand as children of the promiseWe will fix our eyes on Him our soul's rewardTill the race is finished and the work is doneWe'll walk by faith and not by sight

By faith this mountain shall be movedAnd the power of the gospel shall prevailFor we know in Christ all things are possibleFor all who call upon His name

We will stand as children of the promiseWe will fix our eyes on Him our soul's rewardTill the race is finished and the work is doneWe'll walk by faith and not by sight

April 06, 2013

Hebrews 10:24-25 -- CONSIDER...One Another

April 06, 2013/ jan

Let us consider...one another! Hebrews 10:24-25 When we come toward the middle of Hebrews, chapter 10, we have what I like to call "the Hinge" (10:19-25)...verses that tie the doctrinal and practical sections together. And right there at the end of "the Hinge" is our second of three CONSIDER's.

As you may recall, the first time we encountered the word Consider, we talked about how the word means to focus intently like a star-gazer would do. And of course, our primary focus is always to be on our great High Priest, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ -- our Great High Priest and Mighty God enthroned above.

When we look at our third Consider in chapter 12, it will be again our Lord Jesus Christ, who as the God-Man endured the Cross. But now, sandwiched right in the middle, is our second Consider -- Consider...one another. Why? Because if we belong to our Lord, we belong to each other. That's why I often sign my emails, One with you in HIM, when writing to my sisters and brothers in the Lord.

Last year a posted a fun blog about the interaction between two of my grandsons, Evan & Carter...brothers! I'd like to share the Bible study section of that post, which I called Am I My Brother's Keeper? right here. But if you would like to read the stories that go with it, just click on the link.

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Our Abba Father's desire for us His children is that we would be devoted to one another, no matter how much we may disagree and even dislike each other. We are in the same blood line, the same family!

The way we know we've been transferred from death to life is that we love our brothers and sisters. Anyone who doesn't love is as good as dead. Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know very well that eternal life and murder don't go together. This is how we've come to understand and experience love: Christ sacrificed his life for us. This is why we ought to live sacrificially for our fellow believers, and not just be out for ourselves! 1John 3:14-16 MESSAGE

We have a connection with each other that can't be broken, whether we like it or not! It's a connection as deep as union with each other in the Triune God! Just as in a human family, the primary connection a child has is with the parents (and thus with each other), so too in the family of God. Listen to how Jesus prayed the night before He died:

I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that THEY also may be IN US, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. John 17:20-23

As I've been meditating on my union with Christ and my brothers and sisters, I've revisited what are called the One another verses. Maybe you would like to join me in revisiting them, or perhaps visiting them for the first time. Then if you care to, pray with me:

Father, empower me through the indwelling Christ, Your Perfect Son, to love my brothers and sisters. Love them through me. Understand them through me. Care about their spiritual, emotional, physical welfare through me, O God. In Christ's Loving Name. Amen!

John 13:14 "If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash oneanother's feet.

John 13:34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love oneanother, even as I have loved you, that you also love oneanother.

John 13:35 " By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for oneanother."

John 15:12 "This is My commandment, that you love oneanother, just as I have loved you.

John 15:17 "This I command you, that you love oneanother.

Acts 7:26 " On the following day he appeared to them as they were fighting together, and he tried to reconcile them in peace, saying, 'Men, you are brethren, why do you injure oneanother?'

Acts 15:39 And there occurred such a sharp disagreement that they separated from oneanother, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus.

Romans 12:5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

Romans 12:10 Be devoted to oneanother in brotherly love; give preference to oneanother in honor;

Romans 12:16 Be of the same mind toward oneanother; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly Do not be wise in your own estimation.

Romans 13:8 Owe nothing to anyone except to love oneanother; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.

Romans 14:5One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind.

Romans 14:13 Therefore let us not judge oneanother anymore, but rather determine this-- not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way.

Romans 14:19 So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of oneanother.

Romans 15:5 Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with oneanother according to Christ Jesus,

Romans 15:7 Therefore, accept oneanother, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.

Romans 15:14 And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish oneanother.

Romans 16:16 Greet oneanother with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.

1 Corinthians 6:7 Actually, then, it is already a defeat for you, that you have lawsuits with oneanother. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded?

1 Corinthians 7:5 Stop depriving oneanother, except by agreement for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer, and come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

1 Corinthians 11:33 So then, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for oneanother.

1 Corinthians 12:25 so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for oneanother.

1 Corinthians 16:20 All the brethren greet you. Greet oneanother with a holy kiss.

2 Corinthians 13:12 Greet oneanother with a holy kiss.

Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve oneanother.

Galatians 5:15 But if you bite and devour oneanother, take care that you are not consumed by oneanother.

Galatians 5:17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to oneanother, so that you may not do the things that you please.

Galatians 5:26 Let us not become boastful, challenging oneanother, envying oneanother.

Galatians 6:1 Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.

Galatians 6:2 Bear oneanother's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:4 But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another.

Ephesians 4:2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for oneanother in love,

Ephesians 4:25 Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of oneanother.

Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to oneanother, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

Ephesians 5:19 speaking to oneanother in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;

Ephesians 5:21 and be subject to oneanother in the fear of Christ.

Philippians 2:3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard oneanother as more important than yourselves;

Colossians 3:9 Do not lie to oneanother, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices,

Colossians 3:13 bearing with oneanother, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.

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

1 Thessalonians 3:12 and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for oneanother, and for all people, just as we also do for you;

1 Thessalonians 4:9 Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love oneanother;

1 Thessalonians 4:18 Therefore comfort oneanother with these words.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage oneanother and build up oneanother, just as you also are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:13 and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with oneanother.

1 Thessalonians 5:15 See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for oneanother and for all people.

2 Thessalonians 1:3 We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward oneanother grows ever greater;

Titus 3:3 For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating oneanother.

Hebrews 3:13 But encourage oneanother day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

Hebrews 10:24 and let us consider how to stimulate oneanother to love and good deeds,

Hebrews 10:25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging oneanother; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

James 4:11 Do not speak against oneanother, brethren He who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge of it.

James 5:9 Do not complain, brethren, against oneanother, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.

James 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to oneanother, and pray for oneanother so that you may be healed The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

1 Peter 1:22 Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love oneanother from the heart,

1 Peter 4:8 Above all, keep fervent in your love for oneanother, because love covers a multitude of sins.

1 Peter 4:9 Be hospitable to oneanother without complaint.

1 Peter 4:10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving oneanother as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

1 Peter 5:5 You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward oneanother, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.

1 Peter 5:14 Greet oneanother with a kiss of love Peace be to you all who are in Christ.

1 John 1:7 but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with oneanother, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

1 John 3:11 For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love oneanother;

1 John 3:23 This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love oneanother, just as He commanded us.

1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love oneanother, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

1 John 4:11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love oneanother.

1 John 4:12 No one has seen God at any time; if we love oneanother, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us.

2 John 1:5 Now I ask you, lady, not as though I were writing to you a new commandment, but the one which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another.

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For an example of how NOT to "consider one another," read this post by Frank Viola on Rick Warren's tragic loss of his son to suicide. It left me speechless! Beyond Evangelical

Class Notes:THE HINGE

Homework: Read Hebrews 11 Answer questions in Hoping for Something Better, p. 200-201 Read chapter 8, Hoping…

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Hebrews 8-10, Ray Stedman -- scroll down to read his treatment of the 4th warning...very good!

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Hebrews 11: the Pilgrim Spirit of Faith

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Hebrews 11: We are Part of Something Bigger than Ourselves!

Hebrews 10:24-25 -- CONSIDER...One Another

A Branch In the Vine