Poor and Needy

Last night, we packed in the van (dogs and all) to drive around and search for someone poor and needy. Our goal was to give a care package and share the Gospel with the homeless. It didn't take long before we found a prospect. Across a parking lot, we noticed an unattractive, unappealing, and scary looking man. Everyone was scared. "What if he has a gun?" "Maybe we should just keep driving."

However, by God's grace, Dad walked over to strike up a conversation, while we sat in the car and prayed for safety and open doors. Before long, Dad began to pray with the man. It was a success. The man was from Guatemala and was without family. The man cried as Dad tried to minister to him.

Why am I writing this? To highlight who we are and who God is. Beloveds, before we were saved, we were like this man: unattractive, repulsive, and stained with sin. Revelation 3:17 describes us as wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked.

Yet, God didn't drive away from us. He came to us. He had mercy on our pitiful state and saved us.

When you see the poor and needy, don't turn up your nose. See them the way God sees you: with eyes of compassion, and extend the love of God to them. The same love which He extended to you.

One final note: I do not advice riding around at night, and sharing with just anyone. That can be dangerous. Use wisdom and discernment. God will lead you.

Romans 5:8
but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

I dearly love you.

Veto Power

Just as the President has veto power over the other branches of government, God has veto power in your life as well.
He has the sovereign right to cancel, postpone, and even reject your plans.

Proverbs 16:1 says:
The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
Proverbs 16:9 says:
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.

Notice it's the "heart" that makes the plans. When the heart is involved, delay or rejection can be agonizing. Hope deferred (or extinguished) makes the heart sick. It's not easy.

I lived with a deep seeded conviction and passion to serve overseas for 10 years......that dream has since died, but it didn't die easily. In fact, there is still a twinge of pain in my heart. But that pain forces me to God. It forces me to trust Him, and not lean on my own understanding. It causes me to submit to His infinite wisdom and loving hand. He knows the plans He has for me, plans to prosper me and not to harm me. Plans to give me a future and a hope.

So, beloveds, learn to love His veto power. Make plans! But, understand that your plans may not be His plans. His ways are higher than our ways. It may hurt. But, it's the cross you must carry.

Desiring God Entry

Beloveds, just want to share this entry with you. We must not take the grace of God lightly. Our response to His mercy must be one of complete abandonment to God and to His Gospel. No time wasted.

"Hard Work and the Grace of God"

Taken directly from Desiring God
Posted: 08 Dec 2010 11:30 PM PST

The Apostle Paul knows who he is and he knows what is behind who he is (1 Corinthians 15:10). He says, "By the grace of God, I am what I am." This is not a flagrant statement that is meant to excuse character flaws. I'm not sure why it rings that way to my American ear (maybe I've listened to too much country music).

Paul simply knows who he is (1 Corinthians 15:9). He knows he is a sinner who Jesus Christ came into the world to save (1 Timothy 1:15). And he knows about the powerful grace of God in the source and work of his life, represented in verse 15a by the Manner. Paul is what he is, by the grace of God.

So it's free grace. Paul was destined for wrath and helpless. At no point was he trying to meet God half way by scooting close to the front row at an altar call. Jesus knocked him down and—like Jesus always does it—radically called a dweller of darkness into the kingdom of light (Acts 9:1-6). Paul did not earn this good. It is all God, all grace.

Here's the question: does grace like this set us up for a "couch and potato chips" kind of life?

No. Absolutely not. Not grace like this. Not God's grace. Paul goes on to say that he worked harder than anyone else. He really worked. And yet it was not him, but the grace of God. God's grace is the bookends to this passage. Grace makes Paul who he is and grace accomplishes in Paul the crazy-eyed, joy-filled labor for the gospel of which we Gentiles are all beneficiaries.

It is a glorious thing how such freedom in grace produces such productive industry. The world doesn't get this. It is gospel glory.

Prime Rib

I remember growing up and occasionally eating prime rib, usually at a restaurant. It was a very special treat. Prime rib is considered choice steak and is supposedly the tastiest and most tender of all the steaks. Looking at the diagram, it comes from the “rib” section of the cow!

Romans 6 reminds me of Prime Rib. It’s choice meat from the Word of God. It seems to fit in the “rib” section of the Bible.
Basically, it’s the Gospel, Christ died for our sins and was raised again, and how it affects us.

Here are a few of the highlights:
Our old self was crucified with Him.
We are no longer enslaved to sin.
We are set free from sin
Sin will have not dominion over you
We can walk in newness of life


In Isaiah 55:2, God says:
Eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food.

Beloveds, Romans 6 is rich food. Choice Prime Rib! Delight in it! Eat it often!

Reasons to Rejoice

Once there was a man lame from birth, who would beg alms at the Beautiful Gate. One day, Peter and John passed by him, and seeing his helplessness, said to him:


I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you.....In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk! And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And the lame man began walking and leaping and praising God.


Beloveds, this is a picture of salvation. We are sinners from birth, poor and needy, just like that lame man. And yet, at the right time, Jesus Christ resurrects us from our helpless state.

Some 27 years ago, I had a similar experience. I was a sinner, lame and crippled, desperate for a Savior. I was alone in my apartment, prostrate on the floor due to the weight and guilt of my sin. And just like that beggar begged, I begged for mercy. And God, in His mercy, rescued me. He caused me to repent, removed the burden of my sin, and made me HIs child.

I remember rising up from that dingy floor, feeling light as a feather. I felt as though I could fly. The weight and burden of my sin was lifted, and there was joy unspeakable in my heart.

Those are reasons for rejoicing, beloveds! Our sins are forgiven. Is 1:18: Though our sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow.

I desire us to live that way every day! Rejoicing in the Gospel. Light as a feather and joy overflowing!

Not Ensnared

Proverbs 28:6
An evil man is ensnared in his transgression, but a righteous man sings and rejoices!


What does an evil man and a righteous man have in common: sin! Both sin. We all sin.

However, the difference between the two is that the evil man is ensnared and the righteous man is free!

Therefore, when a righteous man sins, he is to immediately confess it and keep singing. And just think about it. If we are singing and rejoicing, it's harder to keep sinning.

Now, Beloveds, to get us started. What do we sing and rejoice about? that's the next entry....I'll try to do it tomorrow! Must get off the couch for now and do something! I love you!

Above the Clouds

Beloveds, there will be times when you have cloudy (or stormy!) circumstances in your life.

They are ordained by God, but He calls you to rise above them.
I think of it as living "above the clouds". Have you ever been on an airplane when the take-off conditions are cloudy and gloomy? However, once you break through to a higher altitude, the sky is bright blue and completely clear.

In the same way, you can rise above your cloudy skies. But not by boarding an airplane, but by being in the Word. The scriptures are God's vehicle to peace and rest. Therefore, get plenty of it. Until it is running over. Even in the worst of circumstances, the clouds will fade and your faith will soar.

So, Beloveds, in your afflictions, turn your eyes upon Him, behold His beauty, and rest in His promises.
Ps 123:1-2
To You I lift up my eyes, O You who are enthroned in the heavens!
Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master.......
so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till he has mercy upon us

An Unwanted Companion

Beloveds, as you journey to the "celestial city", an unwanted companion will frequently try to walk along beside you. Temptation. He's no friend. He will lead you to death. He's out to kill, steal, and destroy. The moment temptation emerges, kick it to kingdom come. It's the devil in disguise.

Lean now to recognize temptation. Learn to discern. Write down your weaknesses (or areas of temptations) and pray over them.
Sharpen your sword. Tap into the Word of God, God's primary means of of fighting sin.
Finally, find a godly friend to confess your sins to. Hopefully, that will be your mom and dad, who love you deeply and completely!

If you fail to do these things, you will be lulled into a spiritual stupor and ignorantly walk with your unwanted companion, who will lead you to death. (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25)

But, by God's grace, beloveds, you can live victoriously. Here are a few verses to help!

James 4:7
Resist the devil and He will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
Heb 4:15-16
For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.
Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need.
I Cor 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation, you provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure.

There are many more!

Humility

March 29, 2010 (written by Anne Ortlund)

What is basic, bottom-line Christianity? Well, think of the first words ever recorded that Jesus Christ preached – the opening words of the world’s most famous sermon, the Sermon on the Mount.

Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

The “poor in spirit”! God’s values are the opposite of ours. He says He will bless us if we’re humble; if we take the least prestigious place – at the table, or whatever; if we deliberately decrease and let Him increase.

And how much will He bless us? He will award us the entire kingdom of heaven – so great it’s beyond our understanding.

Friend, God’s way to up is down.

Said Samuel Rutherford of Scotland (1600-1661), “Be humbled, walk softly; down with your topsail. Stoop! Stoop! It is a low entry to go in at heaven’s gates.”

This will be a new direction for your heart-life.

Turn a corner

His Character is Clear.....He is a Redeemer

Beloveds, there are many beautiful facets to God’s character, but one stands out everywhere I turn in the Bible. He is a redeemer. His role as a redeemer began before the foundation of the world and it will never end. He is the same, yesterday, today and forever. He redeems sinners and He redeems situations all for His glory.

This morning I reread one of my favorite Psalms. Psalm 107. Read this Psalm thoroughly many times. You will be encouraged that no pit is too deep and no problem is too big that God will not redeem for His glory. In each and every situation, when the person repents and turns to the Lord, He hears their cry, answers their prayers, and in turn, He receives all the glory and praise.

Remain humble, my beloveds. We are poor and needy. We need a Savior. Continually call to Him; turn to Him. No matter your situation, He will have mercy. His character is clear. He is a Redeemer.

Building Fences

Proverbs 119:11

How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to your word.

Beloveds, remember building fences for the rabbits? We did that for their protection. Fences serve as a protector and defender from unwanted predators. As I read the ESV today, the word “guarding” jumped off the page.

When you stay in the Word of God, hiding it in your heart, it’s like building a fence around your life. It keeps you from unnecessary pain and temptations. Thus, daily pour over Proverbs and other portions of scripture. Labor in the Word of God. Take pains to build a fence around your soul. Through diligence and the grace of God, the Word will serve as your guardian. It will speak to you along the way, delivering you from dangerous traps. So, beloveds, build your fence high. Build it strong. Build it fast.

Character of Christ

Beloveds, read Psalm 103. Read it thoughtfully, jotting down all the descriptions of who God is and what God does.

I’ve read this Psalms many, many times, but only now does it seem to be coming alive and convicting my soul.

It’s coming alive, because His compassion and kindness towards our family is more obvious than it has ever been.

It’s convicting, because we are supposed to imitate Him, in all His compassion and kindness.

My beloveds, desire to grow in HIs character (all the things listed in Ps 103). When we walk in Christlikeness, God’s glory is on display and people will come to know the Lord.

Unfathomable Truth

Beloveds, this morning, I’m freshly struck by Isaiah 61:1-3.

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
Because the Lord has anointed me
To bring good news to the afflicted
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted.
To proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners...
etc, etc.

Beloveds, referring to Christ, this makes complete sense. In it’s application to us, this makes no sense.
The Spirit of the Lord upon us, to serve Him?????

We are worms at best.
We daily struggle with the same besetting sins
We change at such a slow pace that our growth is hardly recognizable
Our righteousness is as filthy rags
Even the good works we do are tainted with sin.

Yet, He chose us? Yet, He uses us?

Unfathomable truth. I can not comprehend it.
But, that’s the Gospel. The Gospel of grace.
Jesus‘ death on the cross accomplished our redemption. His blood cleanses us. His blood is sufficient.

So sufficient, He pardons our sin and uses us in His kingdom.
I pray that as a family we grow deeper in our love and passion for the Gospel.

So, Who is God?

So, who is God?

Based on the account of the Exodus, we can learn who God is. His character is revealed in a fresh way throughout the whole story.

He sees. He hears. He answers. He saves. He is merciful. He is sovereign over the hearts of man and the events of your world. Nothing is too difficult for Him.

He allows hardship and creates impossible situations for your good and for HIs glory. He is your deliver. He is your provider. He is a just God and will ultimately condemn the ungodly. He does things for HIS glory and for His renown. You can trust HIm.

Bottom line. In HIs time, beloveds, He is mighty to save.

This is only a nutshell. As I mentioned in the previous blog "Meditate on These Things", please read, study, and wonder on HIs mighty deeds, especially those of the Exodus. I long for you to KNOW the God of your father and mother

Meditate on These Things

In Phil 4:8, Paul exhorts us to guard our thought life.
He encourages us to dwell on whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, whatever is of good repute. If there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, Paul says let your mind dwell on these things.

In trials, beloveds, guard your thought life. Listen to Paul. In hardship, follow his example. So, beloveds, my question to you is, what was Paul referring to when he said 'these things"?

Certainly scripture fits the bill. However, there are some of God’s wonders which are paramount to remember and meditate upon, especially in trials.

First, dwell upon the phenomenal story of the exodus. The exodus vividly illustrates WHO God is. His wisdom, power and glory are seen throughout the whole account, even until their entrance into the promised land. We must not forget the details.

God heard the cry of the afflicted and needy. He sent a weak vessel to deliver them. He turned the heart of Pharaoh any direction He desired. He sent unexplainable plagues. He sent a death angel to kill the first born of every household in the land, sparing only those who covered their thresholds with the blood of a lamb. He gloriously split the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to safely cross on dry ground. And for the grand finale, He allowed the Israelites to watch their enemies be utterly destroyed by the crashing waves.

Learn and study these wonders. These wonders speak and teach of the character of God. God has not changed. He’s the same and His dealings with you are no different.

More on this in the next blog.

He did not open His mouth

For a while, Isaiah 53:7 has intrigued me.

He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, So He did not open His mouth.

Notice the repeated phrase: He did not open His mouth.

Beloveds, Jesus came to earth to do His Father’s will. And, His Father’s will meant suffering. Deep suffering, deep pain, deep denial. Yet, He did not open His mouth.

Was it easy for the Son of God to suffer? No, thankfully God gives us the account of the garden of Gethsemane. Jesus wrestled with His final demise. He prayed, “Father if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” Wrestling with God is not necessarily sin. David did his fair share of it. But resistance and rebellion to the will of God is sin. Ultimately, my beloveds, we must surrender to the will of God and open our mouths no more.

Whatever God wills, surrender to it.

In closing, Matthew Henry writes of Christ obedience:

By His wisdom He could have evaded the sentence, and by His power have resisted the execution; but thus it was written, and thus it behoved him to suffer.

We Fall Short

We Fall Short


Beloveds, I just read Isaiah 53. The life of Jesus is amazing and worth studying and pondering. Christ lived a perfectly righteous life, and then died a horrific death absorbing all the wrath that we deserve.

I don’t see anything in common we have with Christ. Nothing, except maybe, “He had no stately form or majesty, that we should look upon Him, Nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him."

Yes, we have suffering as He had suffering, however, not even close to the same degree in which He suffered. Plus, He suffered for doing what was right. It seems many times we suffer for doing what is wrong.

So, where is hope? Hope is in the fact that He GAVE us His perfect righteousness. It’s a gift, so undeserved. He has covered our sins and clothed us in HIS royal robes of righteousness. Unfathomable.

Yes, we fall short, but our focus must not be on our “shortness”, but on His sufficiency. His grace is sufficient for us. His power is is perfected in our weakness. The life that we now live in the flesh we walk by faith in Him, who loved us and delivered Himself up for us.

Beloveds, study and soak in this great salvation, so that you might not waller in your weakness, but glory in His grace.