Response

 

Still working through Ps 119. As I read yet again the verses and acknowledge each time "You/Your" (God) is mentioned, I am taking careful notice of the Psalmist's response. He dips his quill in the ink and writes out over 150 responses. To You, God and Your word, "I seek, know, mediate, and have life." He continues with "I will never forget, love, follow, obey, and call with all my heart."  Yes, ours is indeed a life of response.  It is a leaning in—for more.  What a most beautiful cycle.  God is.  I respond.

Sin is self-serving self-focus

 

Ouch!

The Sovereignty of God

 

Jonah is a great illustration of the Sovereignty of God. God spoke.  Jonah ran. God provides visual aids to get Jonah’s attention (disastrous storm, throwing sailors, puking fish, plant, worm, and a scorching east wind).  “You can do it My way or My way.” It is always God's way. The Sovereignty of God.

Expectation with Prepared Anticipation

 

30 Second Encouragement: In the mid-1800's, in a small town in Ohio, they were experiencing a major drought. A young pastor awoke one Sunday morning compelled to pray (yet again) for rain—but this time it would be different. He started the service asking God to bring the rain and he continued on with the service. Halfway through, there were sounds of thunder & the rain fell. It was noted later that Charles Finney was (oddly) seen carrying an umbrella to church that morning. His prayer was no different than others who prayed—except he came prepared. Jesus said (it's in red) to pray with expectation, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened" (Matt 7:7-8). Expectation with prepared anticipation. May we open our umbrellas today. Happy Monday.

Theology Thursday - Worship

 

Worship. Sadly, our society has shifted the true design of worship from being solely directed to God - to placing whoever, whatever WE want at the front and center of our adoration. Biblical worship is directed toward—GOD ALONE. It is the "bowing down" in reverence, devotion, attributing glory & honor. "Honor the LORD for the glory of His name. Worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness" (King David - Ps 29:2, NLT). May we be so very aware of what/who we bow down to.

Coram Deo

 

Coram Deo.  Latin and basically means "Before the face of God." I cannot imagine what my life would look like if I SERIOUSLY considered this prior to beginning each day, each conversation and each action. Making myself aware that whatever I am doing (reading, watching, listening to) wherever I am going and how I am acting is under the gaze of God. Not with the mindset, "OH, better not—God is watching" but the heart attitude of being so profoundly aware of His sovereignty. That I live my life under the authority of God—to the glory of God. "Coram Deo!"

Biblical Interpretation

 

When reading the Bible, there are 2 types of Interpretation: 1st) Exegesis is proper interpretation, the "leading out" of the text, (pulling out the true meaning) conveying the original author's intent (looking at language, culture and the big story).  Where 2). Eisegesis is "pushing into" the text. It is concerned with interjecting one's ideas to make a point or reading into the text what they hope to find. May we be intentional with our handling and understanding of the Word of God.