Hey, Y'all,
Ran across this quote of Ellen White's--one of my favorites--which I'd copied and (thought I'd) lost...I like it--kinda gets you thinkin'...
"The greatest want in the world, is the want of men--men who will not be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true and honest, men who do not fear to call sin by its right name, men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole, men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall."
Education, p. 57
Words to live by...
You've been prayed for today.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Who Has Known The Mind Of The Lord?
Hey, Y'all,
Another semi-random spiritual thought today; I actually got to thinking about this at Fallen Leaf Lake--you'll recall there was no TV and minimal e-mail and no cell phone service and LOTS of time to think quietly...so I got to thinking...
"Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?"
Romans 11:34
Here's the larger context of Paul's doxology (where he quotes Isaiah 40:13 Job 41:11)...
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
"Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?"
"Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay him?"
For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.
Romans 11:33-36
God is God, and (despite my occasional delusions to the contrary) I'm not (yep, needed to hear that today, but again, I'm sure it's just me and it's just today, right?!? ).
You've been prayed for today...
Another semi-random spiritual thought today; I actually got to thinking about this at Fallen Leaf Lake--you'll recall there was no TV and minimal e-mail and no cell phone service and LOTS of time to think quietly...so I got to thinking...
"Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?"
Romans 11:34
As you do not know the path of the wind,
or how the body is formed in a mother's womb,
so you cannot understand the work of God,
the Maker of all things."
or how the body is formed in a mother's womb,
so you cannot understand the work of God,
the Maker of all things."
Ecclesiastes 11:5
Here's the larger context of Paul's doxology (where he quotes Isaiah 40:13 Job 41:11)...
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
"Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?"
"Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay him?"
For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.
Romans 11:33-36
God is God, and (despite my occasional delusions to the contrary) I'm not (yep, needed to hear that today, but again, I'm sure it's just me and it's just today, right?!?
).You've been prayed for today...
Monday, June 19, 2006
Relinquishing Control -- Relying On God Instead
Hey, Y'all,
Today's thought is in fact somewhat random--ran across it in my study bible a few days ago...
Hand your need to control over to God and you'll be relieved by His loving administration. Wait on God. In return, He will give you a clearer vision.
Needed to hear that--'course it's just me and it's just today, right?!?
You've been prayed for today...
Today's thought is in fact somewhat random--ran across it in my study bible a few days ago...
Hand your need to control over to God and you'll be relieved by His loving administration. Wait on God. In return, He will give you a clearer vision.
Needed to hear that--'course it's just me and it's just today, right?!?
You've been prayed for today...
Friday, June 16, 2006
Farewell to Fallen Leaf Lake, One Of God's Beautiful Places
Hey, Y'all,
Just came back inside after another nearly indescribable quietly and profoundly spiritual time outside--I'm again painfully aware of how limited and inadequate and downright crippled words are in the face of true greatness, be it great joy (or sorrow), or a moving musical masterpiece, or even the stark beauty of the desert or the seemingly endless ocean relentlessly crashing below you; true greatness, in any form, leaves us speechless...
The sun sets pretty late up here (after our last meeting around 9 PM there was still light in the sky--we're at 6400 feet above sea level), so I made my way to a swing bench at the edge of the lake which had by now settled to glass, surrounding hills and mountains perfectly reflected--so this is what literally purple mountain majesties look like--and just sat quietly as the sun set (and set and set...) and the sky slowly filled with stars.
Nothing keeping me company except the sound of a small waterfall a few dozen yards behind me and to my left, and birds flying and dipping their beaks for a quick drink, as did the occasional bat--very cool, interesting how these animals too have their "time in the sun" ('course it's the moon) while the rest of the world sleeps...
By now the scene I'd been waiting for was finally in place--and it didn't disappoint: pitch black sky, loaded with more stars than you can imagine unless you've been out in the sticks away from city lights (and in this case with 6400 feet less of atmosphere to contend with), and all of it reflected perfectly on the glassy lake...
Yep; speechless. Sat there quietly, let it wash over me, and just sat there. Utterly speechless. Not surprisingly got to thinking about God, and it occurs to me that we've talked about God's greatness and His indescribable love and even that He's got to have a great sense of humor (if my life is any indication), but it occurred to me again tonight that aside from everything else, God is very obviously a great lover of beauty. So I sat there with God, and enjoyed that moment, that place of indescribable beauty, and thanked Him for it all, and the only thing that came to mind was Genesis 1:31--
Then God looked over everything He had made, the whole vast array of the heavens and the earth and everything that in them is, and to His great satisfaction He saw that it was excellent in every way--it was so good, so very good!--and and He approved it completely. It was evening, it was morning—that was Day Six.
You've been prayed for one last time from Fallen Leaf Lake (and thank you God--"what is man that you are mindful of him?")...
Just came back inside after another nearly indescribable quietly and profoundly spiritual time outside--I'm again painfully aware of how limited and inadequate and downright crippled words are in the face of true greatness, be it great joy (or sorrow), or a moving musical masterpiece, or even the stark beauty of the desert or the seemingly endless ocean relentlessly crashing below you; true greatness, in any form, leaves us speechless...
The sun sets pretty late up here (after our last meeting around 9 PM there was still light in the sky--we're at 6400 feet above sea level), so I made my way to a swing bench at the edge of the lake which had by now settled to glass, surrounding hills and mountains perfectly reflected--so this is what literally purple mountain majesties look like--and just sat quietly as the sun set (and set and set...) and the sky slowly filled with stars.
Nothing keeping me company except the sound of a small waterfall a few dozen yards behind me and to my left, and birds flying and dipping their beaks for a quick drink, as did the occasional bat--very cool, interesting how these animals too have their "time in the sun" ('course it's the moon) while the rest of the world sleeps...
By now the scene I'd been waiting for was finally in place--and it didn't disappoint: pitch black sky, loaded with more stars than you can imagine unless you've been out in the sticks away from city lights (and in this case with 6400 feet less of atmosphere to contend with), and all of it reflected perfectly on the glassy lake...
Yep; speechless. Sat there quietly, let it wash over me, and just sat there. Utterly speechless. Not surprisingly got to thinking about God, and it occurs to me that we've talked about God's greatness and His indescribable love and even that He's got to have a great sense of humor (if my life is any indication), but it occurred to me again tonight that aside from everything else, God is very obviously a great lover of beauty. So I sat there with God, and enjoyed that moment, that place of indescribable beauty, and thanked Him for it all, and the only thing that came to mind was Genesis 1:31--
Then God looked over everything He had made, the whole vast array of the heavens and the earth and everything that in them is, and to His great satisfaction He saw that it was excellent in every way--it was so good, so very good!--and and He approved it completely. It was evening, it was morning—that was Day Six.
You've been prayed for one last time from Fallen Leaf Lake (and thank you God--"what is man that you are mindful of him?")...
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Reply -- More On Compassion for Imperfect Humanity
Here's a reply to the last couple of RSTs (thanks for jumping in Olya!)--interesting that they're almost all Old Testament passages, huh?
A whole bunch of verses come to mind...Imperfect Humanity and Compassion...
"But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he [Esau] threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept." (Genesis 33:4)
"And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you...God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. Then he [Joseph] threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin embraced him, weeping. And he kissed all his brothers and wept over them. Afterward his brothers talked with him." (Genesis 45…)
"This day you have seen with your own eyes how the LORD delivered you [Saul] into my hands in the cave. Some urged me [David] to kill you, but I spared you; I said, 'I will not lift my hand against my master, because he is the LORD's anointed.' See, my father, look at this piece of your robe in my hand! I cut off the corner of your robe but did not kill you. Now understand and recognize that I am not guilty of wrongdoing or rebellion. I have not wronged you, but you are hunting me down to take my life. May the LORD judge between you and me. And may the LORD avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you." (1 Samuel 24:10-12)
"Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, "Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head." But the king said, "What do you and I have in common, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the LORD said to him, 'Curse David,' who can ask, 'Why do you do this?' " David then said to Abishai and all his officials, "My son [Absalom], who is of my own flesh, is trying to take my life. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone; let him curse, for the LORD has told him to. It may be that the LORD will see my distress and repay me with good for the cursing I am receiving today." So David and his men continued along the road while Shimei was going along the hillside opposite him, cursing as he went and throwing stones at him and showering him with dirt." (2 Samuel 16:9-13)
"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." (Matthew 9:36)
"He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young." (Isaiah 40:11)
"I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the LORD has done for us—yes, the many good things he has done for the house of Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses. He said, "Surely they are my people, sons who will not be false to me"; and so he became their Savior. In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old." (Isaiah 63:7-9)
Thanks again, Olya, good stuff.
You've been prayed for today (from Fallen Leaf Lake).
A whole bunch of verses come to mind...Imperfect Humanity and Compassion...
"But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he [Esau] threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept." (Genesis 33:4)
"And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you...God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. Then he [Joseph] threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin embraced him, weeping. And he kissed all his brothers and wept over them. Afterward his brothers talked with him." (Genesis 45…)
"This day you have seen with your own eyes how the LORD delivered you [Saul] into my hands in the cave. Some urged me [David] to kill you, but I spared you; I said, 'I will not lift my hand against my master, because he is the LORD's anointed.' See, my father, look at this piece of your robe in my hand! I cut off the corner of your robe but did not kill you. Now understand and recognize that I am not guilty of wrongdoing or rebellion. I have not wronged you, but you are hunting me down to take my life. May the LORD judge between you and me. And may the LORD avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you." (1 Samuel 24:10-12)
"Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, "Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head." But the king said, "What do you and I have in common, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the LORD said to him, 'Curse David,' who can ask, 'Why do you do this?' " David then said to Abishai and all his officials, "My son [Absalom], who is of my own flesh, is trying to take my life. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone; let him curse, for the LORD has told him to. It may be that the LORD will see my distress and repay me with good for the cursing I am receiving today." So David and his men continued along the road while Shimei was going along the hillside opposite him, cursing as he went and throwing stones at him and showering him with dirt." (2 Samuel 16:9-13)
"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." (Matthew 9:36)
"He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young." (Isaiah 40:11)
"I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the LORD has done for us—yes, the many good things he has done for the house of Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses. He said, "Surely they are my people, sons who will not be false to me"; and so he became their Savior. In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old." (Isaiah 63:7-9)
Thanks again, Olya, good stuff.
You've been prayed for today (from Fallen Leaf Lake).
Monday, June 12, 2006
More On Compassion
Hey, Y'all,
Greetings from Fallen Leaf Lake (just south of Lake Tahoe)--been basically sitting in a postcard these last couple of days--beautiful country, I have to say. Here's a bit more on compassion...
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
Colossians3:12-14
I'd comment except that it'd be redundant...I'll just add that 1 John 4 also talks about the mark of the christian is the ability to love and forgive and empathize.
You've been prayed for today...
Greetings from Fallen Leaf Lake (just south of Lake Tahoe)--been basically sitting in a postcard these last couple of days--beautiful country, I have to say. Here's a bit more on compassion...
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
Colossians3:12-14
I'd comment except that it'd be redundant...I'll just add that 1 John 4 also talks about the mark of the christian is the ability to love and forgive and empathize.
You've been prayed for today...
Friday, June 9, 2006
Imperfect Humanity and Compassion
Thanks, Bud R., for this thought...numerous passages in scripture come to mind in support of this assertion--any favorites you'd like to share with the list?
"Inevitably, people do things to hurt us. Inevitably, we do things that hurt others. This is part of what it means to be human, to have feelings, to be imperfect, to be vulnerable. Compassion moves us beyond our own wounds and back into human community. It asks the question: 'What sort of people do bad things?' The answer: lonely, scared, ignorant, confused, sick, misguided, angry, fallible, human sort of people--in other words, each and every one of us."
--Mariah Burton Nelson
You've been prayed for today...
Tuesday, June 6, 2006
The Holy Spirit's Influence
Well, I had to chuckle at this--it was pointed out to me (thanks, Kathy R.!) that the last RST (on the Holy Spirit no less) was sent out this past Sunday which was...Pentecost! How funny is that?
For those who don't know, Pentecost refers to the day 10 days after Christ's ascension to heaven when the Holy Spirit came down "with the sound of a mighty rushing wind" empowering the (very) early Christians--who had been waiting and praying together for this event--with the ability to speak clearly and authoritatively in different languages (which they did not previously speak) so that the thousands of Jews from all over the known world that were in Jerusalem for the feasts were able to hear and understand the Gospel in their native tongues. You can read all about it in Acts 2--it's quite a story!
First thing that came to mind was "Ellis' Verse" (here you go, brother!) which is fondly remembered by many from the early days of our men's group--John 14:26--and captures the moment when Christ promised His disciples that they wouldn't be left alone once He ascended: "But when the Father sends the Counselor as my representative--and by the Counselor I mean the Holy Spirit--He will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I myself have told you."
And here's today's thought on the Holy Spirit's ministry and power in our lives--it's taken from an old devotional collection of thoughts written in various other devotional books by Ellen White--nice sentence, huh?--the book is actually called "Our Father Cares."
"For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God."
Romans 8:14
"The Spirit of God does not interfere with the freedom of the human agent. The Holy Spirit is given to be a Helper, so that man may cooperate with the Divine, and it is given to him to draw the soul [toward Christ] but never to force obedience. Christ is ready to impart all heavenly influences...and [He] presents before the mind the obligations that should be met and urges that common, earthly things shall not be permitted to be so absorbing that eternal things shall be lost out of the reckoning. The Lord has fullness of grace to bestow on everyone that will receive the Heavenly Gift. The Holy Spirit will bring the God-entrusted capabilities into Christ's service and will mold and fashion the human agent according to the Divine Pattern...and in proportion as they depend on the Holy Spirit's teaching, they will grow. The influence of the Holy Spirit is the life of Christ in the soul...it works in and through everyone who receives it. Those who know the indwelling of the Spirit reveal the fruit of the Spirit--love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith."
You've been prayed for today...
For those who don't know, Pentecost refers to the day 10 days after Christ's ascension to heaven when the Holy Spirit came down "with the sound of a mighty rushing wind" empowering the (very) early Christians--who had been waiting and praying together for this event--with the ability to speak clearly and authoritatively in different languages (which they did not previously speak) so that the thousands of Jews from all over the known world that were in Jerusalem for the feasts were able to hear and understand the Gospel in their native tongues. You can read all about it in Acts 2--it's quite a story!
First thing that came to mind was "Ellis' Verse" (here you go, brother!) which is fondly remembered by many from the early days of our men's group--John 14:26--and captures the moment when Christ promised His disciples that they wouldn't be left alone once He ascended: "But when the Father sends the Counselor as my representative--and by the Counselor I mean the Holy Spirit--He will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I myself have told you."
And here's today's thought on the Holy Spirit's ministry and power in our lives--it's taken from an old devotional collection of thoughts written in various other devotional books by Ellen White--nice sentence, huh?--the book is actually called "Our Father Cares."
"For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God."
Romans 8:14
"The Spirit of God does not interfere with the freedom of the human agent. The Holy Spirit is given to be a Helper, so that man may cooperate with the Divine, and it is given to him to draw the soul [toward Christ] but never to force obedience. Christ is ready to impart all heavenly influences...and [He] presents before the mind the obligations that should be met and urges that common, earthly things shall not be permitted to be so absorbing that eternal things shall be lost out of the reckoning. The Lord has fullness of grace to bestow on everyone that will receive the Heavenly Gift. The Holy Spirit will bring the God-entrusted capabilities into Christ's service and will mold and fashion the human agent according to the Divine Pattern...and in proportion as they depend on the Holy Spirit's teaching, they will grow. The influence of the Holy Spirit is the life of Christ in the soul...it works in and through everyone who receives it. Those who know the indwelling of the Spirit reveal the fruit of the Spirit--love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith."
You've been prayed for today...
Sunday, June 4, 2006
Christ's Crowning Gift: The Holy Spirit
Hey, y'all,
Hope the weekend was refreshing and that you're ready to start another week! Tom B. was kind enough to forward a quote (sounds like Ellen White?) that Richard L. shared in their Bible study group...enjoy!
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
John 16:7
"Christ declared that after His ascension, He would send to His church, as His crowning gift, the Comforter, who was to take His place. This Comforter is the Holy Spirit -- the soul of His life, the efficacy of His church, the light and life of the world...
"In the gift of the Spirit, Jesus gave to man the highest good that heaven could bestow. It is the Spirit that makes effectual what has been wrought out by the world's Redeemer. It is by the Spirit that the heart is made pure. Through the Spirit the believer becomes a partaker of the divine nature. Christ has given His Spirit as a divine power to overcome all hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil, and to impress His own character upon the church...
"It is the privilege of every son and daughter of God to have the indwelling of the Spirit. Let every church member kneel before God, and pray earnestly for the impartation of the Spirit...We may talk of the blessings of the Holy Spirit, but unless we prepare ouselves for its reception, of what avail are our works?"
Brought to mind a couple of texts:
Galatians 5:22&23 which describes the undeniable evidence of the Holy Spirit's indwelling-- "But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." (BTW, the "But" there indicates the contrast with verses 19-21 which are the equally undeniable evidences of me at the wheel instead of the Holy Spirit).
The other text that came to mind was Galatians 3:3-- "Have you lost your senses? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort?" I love Paul's way of saying things, even if it occasionally does deliver a bit of a sting of recognition--but I'm sure it's just me, right? :- )
You've been prayed for today...
Hope the weekend was refreshing and that you're ready to start another week! Tom B. was kind enough to forward a quote (sounds like Ellen White?) that Richard L. shared in their Bible study group...enjoy!
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
John 16:7
"Christ declared that after His ascension, He would send to His church, as His crowning gift, the Comforter, who was to take His place. This Comforter is the Holy Spirit -- the soul of His life, the efficacy of His church, the light and life of the world...
"In the gift of the Spirit, Jesus gave to man the highest good that heaven could bestow. It is the Spirit that makes effectual what has been wrought out by the world's Redeemer. It is by the Spirit that the heart is made pure. Through the Spirit the believer becomes a partaker of the divine nature. Christ has given His Spirit as a divine power to overcome all hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil, and to impress His own character upon the church...
"It is the privilege of every son and daughter of God to have the indwelling of the Spirit. Let every church member kneel before God, and pray earnestly for the impartation of the Spirit...We may talk of the blessings of the Holy Spirit, but unless we prepare ouselves for its reception, of what avail are our works?"
Brought to mind a couple of texts:
Galatians 5:22&23 which describes the undeniable evidence of the Holy Spirit's indwelling-- "But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." (BTW, the "But" there indicates the contrast with verses 19-21 which are the equally undeniable evidences of me at the wheel instead of the Holy Spirit).
The other text that came to mind was Galatians 3:3-- "Have you lost your senses? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort?" I love Paul's way of saying things, even if it occasionally does deliver a bit of a sting of recognition--but I'm sure it's just me, right? :- )
You've been prayed for today...
Friday, June 2, 2006
Take My Heart...
Hey, Y'all,
Well, another week's drawing to a close, even as we begin a new month--unbelievable! Where did May go? At any rate, here's a thought from Ellen White's classic book Christ's Object Lessons. Interesting...
does the sentiment sound vaguely familiar? (or is it just me?!?).
Lord, take my heart, for I cannot give it. It is Thy property. Keep it pure, for I cannot keep it for Thee. Save me in spite of myself, my weak, unchristlike self. Mold me, fashion me, raise me into a pure and holy atmosphere, where the rich current of Thy love can flow through my soul.
COL p.159
You've been prayed for today...
Well, another week's drawing to a close, even as we begin a new month--unbelievable! Where did May go? At any rate, here's a thought from Ellen White's classic book Christ's Object Lessons. Interesting...
does the sentiment sound vaguely familiar? (or is it just me?!?).
Lord, take my heart, for I cannot give it. It is Thy property. Keep it pure, for I cannot keep it for Thee. Save me in spite of myself, my weak, unchristlike self. Mold me, fashion me, raise me into a pure and holy atmosphere, where the rich current of Thy love can flow through my soul.
COL p.159
You've been prayed for today...
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