Remember the rooster crowing in the morning right after Peter denied knowing the Lord Jesus? He was standing away from the fire and ignoring the crowds attempt to include him as a follower, then just as prophesied the rooster crowed. Thus began a dark period for Peter as he spent the days following in the darkest coldest period of his life.
Here in Oklahoma the rooster or Thanksgiving day turkey came and the whole state got cold. You could not even guess it was winter till then. Maybe the Peter illustration was a bit much, but it was on my mind to describe the feeling of going directly into the cold. I mean how could Peter, how could any of us deny His presence in our lives. This time of year more than any is all about celebrating Jesus the Messiah. Lights go up, trees get decorated. It is all about the Lord God coming into this world to be one of us, a man, so he could live and die for us all.
Each week drawing us closer and closer to Christmas reminds me evermore of God’s unending love. Its not about how many presents we buy or get, how much candy fills our stocking, or how big a house we have to share with family. Love and only love is what this season teaches. I praise and thank the Lord for all He has taught me this past year about trusting in Him more, coming to Him in our need but not leaving Him out in the cold when He needs us. Okay He doesn’t need anything, but He wants us. More so He came so He could serve, and show us how to serve. He came so He could pay the price for our sins.
My heart may not always be working as fast as my brain. The flesh seems to have control over one or the other. In the end I pray my spirit will always win. Of course the more we feed the one, the stronger it gets and the harder the other side will fight. So command yourself every day to read the Word of God with all readiness of mind and do as the Scriptures teach us, not rules and regulations, but commands to love God and serve and love people.
Reading through my blog or journal for this past year has proven insightful. Even if I neglect the pen and page, I can still type my heart and experience. We all should have such, in order to remember. Remembering is what He wants us to do, this is why the Word of God is a treasure. It’s a reminder of what He has already done. From Adam to Paul we see extraordinary lives playing out the message of His plan for man. He loves us and this is the season to make that love known to all people.
Thursday, December 02, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
A little Wicked
Three weeks and things finally got a little Wicked… the musical that is. But that was last night, so lets not skip ahead too fast. It has been a quick week, the week of feasting and family fun. My dad flew in Monday and will be here for three weeks to help around the house and help with the babies. Erin and Kenneth, and of course Avery love having grandpa here.
With the Christmas season in full swing I finally got the lights up on the house and decorations pretty much everywhere. We thought this year a live Christmas tree would be best so we went down to the tree farm and picked out a beautiful tall full tree to enjoy. After strapping it to the roof of the car and hoping for no squirrels, we headed home to get lights. Now we have a tree all ready for decorations and presents. Hard to believe the season is really upon us, after the crazy year we have had.
Since it seems like I am always busy at work and going to and fro it was good to get out with the wife last night and go see a Broadway musical. Wicked. We have seen it twice before, and this was not the best of the three times, the singers were out of sync and the sound mixing might be blamed the most. Some of the key actors were not good at all. But it’s a beloved musical for Holly and I, so we enjoyed it anyway. Love the tale, but feel sorry for anyone who that was their first time seeing the film. It has such good themes.
Really hate when I have the writing bug but cannot think of what to write. Its one of those itches you just can never seem to reach. Then someone else seems to be reaching it better than you, so you don’t even bother to try. Another week is about to begin, more house work to do, some major league spring cleaning in December!
With the Christmas season in full swing I finally got the lights up on the house and decorations pretty much everywhere. We thought this year a live Christmas tree would be best so we went down to the tree farm and picked out a beautiful tall full tree to enjoy. After strapping it to the roof of the car and hoping for no squirrels, we headed home to get lights. Now we have a tree all ready for decorations and presents. Hard to believe the season is really upon us, after the crazy year we have had.
Since it seems like I am always busy at work and going to and fro it was good to get out with the wife last night and go see a Broadway musical. Wicked. We have seen it twice before, and this was not the best of the three times, the singers were out of sync and the sound mixing might be blamed the most. Some of the key actors were not good at all. But it’s a beloved musical for Holly and I, so we enjoyed it anyway. Love the tale, but feel sorry for anyone who that was their first time seeing the film. It has such good themes.
Really hate when I have the writing bug but cannot think of what to write. Its one of those itches you just can never seem to reach. Then someone else seems to be reaching it better than you, so you don’t even bother to try. Another week is about to begin, more house work to do, some major league spring cleaning in December!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Closing in on Thanksgiving
Been another busy week for parenting and marriage. Life always does seem to get extra crazy this time of year. For one thing, standing in line idle in the car waiting to pick up and drop off my kid. Avery loves school, gets excited about going and hanging out with her friends. I am glad she is happy to go. Her teacher is teaching her letters and numbers, and how to cut things. We know about the cutting things as there are mysterious piles of paper showing up around the house in odd locations. She has gotten a new hobby apparently, shredding paper! Back to the lines for a moment, daddy fell asleep in the line waiting to pick Avery up this week. No one bothered to honk they just went around me! Guess they figured i needed the nap.
Trying to maintain a busy household and keeping the part time evening and weekend job does prove difficult on family. Somehow i need to manage family time along side juggling with work. My goal right now while i have time at home is to organize the house better. I would very much like to get rid of a lot of junk we do not need and never use. So much clutter and no real reason as to any of it. We have to look at what we need, not what we want or think we might use someday. My dad will be here Monday for a few weeks so he can give me a hand with a lot of the chores around here. Then i can try to figure out what i am going to do with the rest of my time.... chase after my children!
Kenneth and Erin are growing well. Kenny is our little chunker, he likes to eat all the time. Actually they both do, and will chew their hands till we get them something. Not sure if they think thats going to work. They look more alike now too, yet have polar personailities. Kenneth is laid back and wimpers, while Erin is loud and vocal. They both talk like little birds. Erin if our little bird. Avery loves to help when she can, but still wants to be separate and do her own thing sometimes, which is good. Mommy and daddy have their hands full for sure.
After two weeks of the stay at home daddy thing, i have to say i do not know how so many do this for a job. Its a lot of work and my babies arent even up and crawling around yet. So i am sure its going to get even crazier. The Lord is good though, continues to be faithful and showing us He will be there to meet each need when it comes. His timing is perfect and we will trust him to lead us to whatever form of ministry he has for us ahead.
We look forward to Thanksgiving, and to decorating for Christmas. So much to do, and not enough time for anything. Thats how it works!
Trying to maintain a busy household and keeping the part time evening and weekend job does prove difficult on family. Somehow i need to manage family time along side juggling with work. My goal right now while i have time at home is to organize the house better. I would very much like to get rid of a lot of junk we do not need and never use. So much clutter and no real reason as to any of it. We have to look at what we need, not what we want or think we might use someday. My dad will be here Monday for a few weeks so he can give me a hand with a lot of the chores around here. Then i can try to figure out what i am going to do with the rest of my time.... chase after my children!
Kenneth and Erin are growing well. Kenny is our little chunker, he likes to eat all the time. Actually they both do, and will chew their hands till we get them something. Not sure if they think thats going to work. They look more alike now too, yet have polar personailities. Kenneth is laid back and wimpers, while Erin is loud and vocal. They both talk like little birds. Erin if our little bird. Avery loves to help when she can, but still wants to be separate and do her own thing sometimes, which is good. Mommy and daddy have their hands full for sure.
After two weeks of the stay at home daddy thing, i have to say i do not know how so many do this for a job. Its a lot of work and my babies arent even up and crawling around yet. So i am sure its going to get even crazier. The Lord is good though, continues to be faithful and showing us He will be there to meet each need when it comes. His timing is perfect and we will trust him to lead us to whatever form of ministry he has for us ahead.
We look forward to Thanksgiving, and to decorating for Christmas. So much to do, and not enough time for anything. Thats how it works!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Week one down!
Diapers need to be changed, bottle nipples need to be sterilized, so much to remember and so much to be done. Still we juggle from one end of the house to the other. From flipping peanut butter sandwiches into school lunch pails, to tossing wet diapers across the room making full court shots to the waste basket. Parenthood is full of craziness. Love every moment of it and cherish every second of being a parent and having children.
Monday started off wishing my wife well as she went back to the workforce after being on bed rest and maternity leave since March. None of us were happy about the event, and I was left standing in the driveway after waving goodbye, thinking to myself, what did I get myself into? True the Lord did lead us down this path, and it made the most sense for me to be the choice to stay at home, but it does not make it any easier. Staying at home with the kids is work, possibly the hardest job I have yet to attempt.
Three days out of the week Avery, who is now four, goes to her preschool to learn and grow. While she is at school it makes it that much easier for daddy to balance the twins and their schedule. Avery loves her school. I have to begin a habit of routine which is kind of new for me, as it requires self discipline. I am my own boss as it is, and stand to be responsible for my own duties. No one is looking over my shoulder, but everything I set out to do, still must be done. My goal is to make it easier for my wife when she comes from a busy day and I head off to my evening and weekend job.
Keeping things tidy around the house is simple with the babies being pretty much non mobile, and when Avery is not wreaking havoc every turn. The real challenge is shopping for food, which I am going to have to work on as it’s a necessity for the family to eat. Even as the babies get older they need more. Last time we managed into the store for cupcakes and water, Avery helped push the buggy while I had the stroller. So it wasn’t too bad. Not sure if it’s easier this way or another just yet.
Giving everything to the Lord is key to the stay at home life. I have spent eight months preparing for this role, but it doesn’t seem to matter because things do not always go perfect. For two years before I married Holly I read over 15 books on the subject of marriage; still I find myself rereading them because I know there are so many areas I have I need work. Same will be true as we progress into this stay at home role. Everything for Christ and His glory, is rule number one. Rule two is do not attempt everything in a day. If something cannot get done, do not push so hard you run weary. This is my first week, there is a long road of learning ahead as I lean on trusting God for every moment.
Monday started off wishing my wife well as she went back to the workforce after being on bed rest and maternity leave since March. None of us were happy about the event, and I was left standing in the driveway after waving goodbye, thinking to myself, what did I get myself into? True the Lord did lead us down this path, and it made the most sense for me to be the choice to stay at home, but it does not make it any easier. Staying at home with the kids is work, possibly the hardest job I have yet to attempt.
Three days out of the week Avery, who is now four, goes to her preschool to learn and grow. While she is at school it makes it that much easier for daddy to balance the twins and their schedule. Avery loves her school. I have to begin a habit of routine which is kind of new for me, as it requires self discipline. I am my own boss as it is, and stand to be responsible for my own duties. No one is looking over my shoulder, but everything I set out to do, still must be done. My goal is to make it easier for my wife when she comes from a busy day and I head off to my evening and weekend job.
Keeping things tidy around the house is simple with the babies being pretty much non mobile, and when Avery is not wreaking havoc every turn. The real challenge is shopping for food, which I am going to have to work on as it’s a necessity for the family to eat. Even as the babies get older they need more. Last time we managed into the store for cupcakes and water, Avery helped push the buggy while I had the stroller. So it wasn’t too bad. Not sure if it’s easier this way or another just yet.
Giving everything to the Lord is key to the stay at home life. I have spent eight months preparing for this role, but it doesn’t seem to matter because things do not always go perfect. For two years before I married Holly I read over 15 books on the subject of marriage; still I find myself rereading them because I know there are so many areas I have I need work. Same will be true as we progress into this stay at home role. Everything for Christ and His glory, is rule number one. Rule two is do not attempt everything in a day. If something cannot get done, do not push so hard you run weary. This is my first week, there is a long road of learning ahead as I lean on trusting God for every moment.
Thursday, November 04, 2010
Stay at home husband life has begun
Clearly been too long since i have had a spare minute to do anything other than take in a deep breath. Since the babies came home it seems the entire house has been turned upside down and I am thinking to myself, was it this crazy with Avery. It could have been, but I think having twice as many diapers to change, and twice as many mouths to feed is adding up to more than we ever expected. But as a Father to three of the worlds most amazing and beautiful children, I would not trade it for anything. Part of my motivation to be a stay at home dad in the first place.
My co-workers may not have understood fully what quitting was really meaning to me. I tried to explain even if it meant our budget belt would tighten a bit, I had to do what I had to do. Years ago a teacher had me and some other students draw the kind of car which portrayed who we were. While other kids my age were drawing sports cars, i drew a mini-van. I knew family had to come first, it always had and always will in my mind and life. So last Friday when i finished out my last day of two and a half years of material handling service, I was at total peace. It helped the Lord already had my night and weekend job ready.
Doughnuts were brought in by me for my last day. I had to bring them since I had been eating everyone elses generosity for two years. I hope they all appreacited how much I appreaciated them.... at least most of them. Either way. I did before i left have a nice sit down chat with the CEO which was both educational and encouraging. His best advice for me on being successful in life is to find a problem and then become part of the solution.
For this past week Holly and I have been trying to get into a set routine on baby raising, along wiht rushing Avery to and from school. The week is hardly over and it feels like its been pretty good. The only hard part is my part time job which does take away two hard working hands when babies need to be held. We are pushing ahead for the Lord is with us. He is guiding every step. Our three darling children are proving to teach us something new every day. Thankful and wonderfully blessed we are.
My co-workers may not have understood fully what quitting was really meaning to me. I tried to explain even if it meant our budget belt would tighten a bit, I had to do what I had to do. Years ago a teacher had me and some other students draw the kind of car which portrayed who we were. While other kids my age were drawing sports cars, i drew a mini-van. I knew family had to come first, it always had and always will in my mind and life. So last Friday when i finished out my last day of two and a half years of material handling service, I was at total peace. It helped the Lord already had my night and weekend job ready.
Doughnuts were brought in by me for my last day. I had to bring them since I had been eating everyone elses generosity for two years. I hope they all appreacited how much I appreaciated them.... at least most of them. Either way. I did before i left have a nice sit down chat with the CEO which was both educational and encouraging. His best advice for me on being successful in life is to find a problem and then become part of the solution.
For this past week Holly and I have been trying to get into a set routine on baby raising, along wiht rushing Avery to and from school. The week is hardly over and it feels like its been pretty good. The only hard part is my part time job which does take away two hard working hands when babies need to be held. We are pushing ahead for the Lord is with us. He is guiding every step. Our three darling children are proving to teach us something new every day. Thankful and wonderfully blessed we are.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Psalm 67
Psalm 67
To the Chief Musician. On stringed instruments. A Psalm. A Song.
1 God be merciful to us and bless us, And cause His face to shine upon us, Selah 2 That Your way may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations. 3 Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You. 4 Oh, let the nations be glad and sing for joy! For You shall judge the people righteously, And govern the nations on earth. Selah 5 Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You. 6 Then the earth shall yield her increase; God, our own God, shall bless us. 7 God shall bless us, And all the ends of the earth shall fear Him. Psalm 67
God shall make His ways known through His people. Every story in the Bible is centered on individuals for a reason. God uses people to get His most important messages communicated. Prophets proclaimed judgments, and missionaries brought messages of hope and truth, but real people throughout the Word show us who God is and what He does in our lives.
May God be merciful to us and bless us for the reason that His ways may be known to the world. Praise and worship belong to Him because of the great and marvelous things He does in our lives. Never is it about you or me, but His glory. The testimony of a life changed is far more powerful and effective than historical events and statistics. Souls given over to Him reveal His good work.
You are the masterpiece of the Lord. Your story and the work the Lord does in your life is what will change people. It is good to have knowledge and increased understanding in the facts and truth of the Word of God. We all need a foundation in which to place our faith. Even more the faith in shoes walking around showing God’s love and power. God did not stop after the days of Paul, using people. He uses them today, men and women of ordinary backgrounds to do extraordinary things in order that others will see and glorify God.
To the Chief Musician. On stringed instruments. A Psalm. A Song.
1 God be merciful to us and bless us, And cause His face to shine upon us, Selah 2 That Your way may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations. 3 Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You. 4 Oh, let the nations be glad and sing for joy! For You shall judge the people righteously, And govern the nations on earth. Selah 5 Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You. 6 Then the earth shall yield her increase; God, our own God, shall bless us. 7 God shall bless us, And all the ends of the earth shall fear Him. Psalm 67
God shall make His ways known through His people. Every story in the Bible is centered on individuals for a reason. God uses people to get His most important messages communicated. Prophets proclaimed judgments, and missionaries brought messages of hope and truth, but real people throughout the Word show us who God is and what He does in our lives.
May God be merciful to us and bless us for the reason that His ways may be known to the world. Praise and worship belong to Him because of the great and marvelous things He does in our lives. Never is it about you or me, but His glory. The testimony of a life changed is far more powerful and effective than historical events and statistics. Souls given over to Him reveal His good work.
You are the masterpiece of the Lord. Your story and the work the Lord does in your life is what will change people. It is good to have knowledge and increased understanding in the facts and truth of the Word of God. We all need a foundation in which to place our faith. Even more the faith in shoes walking around showing God’s love and power. God did not stop after the days of Paul, using people. He uses them today, men and women of ordinary backgrounds to do extraordinary things in order that others will see and glorify God.
Change is here
Crunching leaves, the sweet smell of rain, cool evenings are here as a sure sign of fall. We look ahead to winter with not so eager anticipation, but are happily done with the heat of summer. Into October and half way through the month now we enjoy needing the light jackets and still some warmer days wearing shorts. This is also the month of Avery's birthday, our twins are two months old, and of course Halloween is right around the corner.
Avery turned 4 last Tuesday and her party was a grand success. Neither myself or my amazing wife desire to have the party at our house again however as the house and even the massive backyard do not have acreage enough for the attendes. Still the Tinkerbell theme and jump house we borrowed made for our little girls happiest birthday celebration as of yet. Guest list included three grandma's, two great grandma's, one great granddaddy, all her aunts save my sisters in CA, and a few small friends. My mom has been out these last three weeks as well which not only gives Avery someone else to play with but also major help with the babies.
Baby Erin is now past 8 pounds and her growing brother is up to 9.7 pounds. Growing fast as they should be but not quite sleeping through every night. We have a chart in the kitchen next to the feeding station, so we can keep track of when they eat, how much the eat, and what kind of diaper they leave behind. This helps because its hard to remember who ate what and when. Big sister Avery is a big fan of her little brother and sister. She helps out so much and enjoys being proud of both of them.
For Avery's actual birthday we went to the Zoo for a few hours which went pretty well. Its easy to take the babies out at this time since they are pretty portable. I love my little family of five and am greatly blessed the Lord has given us so much, all undeserved. He is always there with us. Even more than His grace and mercy, I love His presence daily in my life. Moment by moment He is here. The more we realize this truth, the more joy we will have. He makes Himself known to those who diligently seek Him.
Even with all the change having occured thus far, we have much ahead in these days. The Lord provided me with a good night and weekend job to work part time during the hours my wife and I can trade off on baby duty. Going to make personal time togther even more cherished then it is now, but we will manage. The Lord knows what we each need and gives us help in our weakness.
Working two jobs the last two weeks has not been easy, but only one more to go then I will be a house husband by day. My two and a half years in the Material handling world will come to an end peacefully. I have had a good time, enjoyed the job, but eagerly look forward to task ahead.
Our future is only clear in the eyes of the Lord. His eyes are the ones which matter. We do not need to know tommrow, we are not promised anything other than He will be with us always. Through all trials, struggles, and fears He is there to watch over us. So He will guide us and give us mercy. In the weeks ahead I hope to update more, we will see how things go and hopefully settle down from all the chaos of this past year.
Avery turned 4 last Tuesday and her party was a grand success. Neither myself or my amazing wife desire to have the party at our house again however as the house and even the massive backyard do not have acreage enough for the attendes. Still the Tinkerbell theme and jump house we borrowed made for our little girls happiest birthday celebration as of yet. Guest list included three grandma's, two great grandma's, one great granddaddy, all her aunts save my sisters in CA, and a few small friends. My mom has been out these last three weeks as well which not only gives Avery someone else to play with but also major help with the babies.
Baby Erin is now past 8 pounds and her growing brother is up to 9.7 pounds. Growing fast as they should be but not quite sleeping through every night. We have a chart in the kitchen next to the feeding station, so we can keep track of when they eat, how much the eat, and what kind of diaper they leave behind. This helps because its hard to remember who ate what and when. Big sister Avery is a big fan of her little brother and sister. She helps out so much and enjoys being proud of both of them.
For Avery's actual birthday we went to the Zoo for a few hours which went pretty well. Its easy to take the babies out at this time since they are pretty portable. I love my little family of five and am greatly blessed the Lord has given us so much, all undeserved. He is always there with us. Even more than His grace and mercy, I love His presence daily in my life. Moment by moment He is here. The more we realize this truth, the more joy we will have. He makes Himself known to those who diligently seek Him.
Even with all the change having occured thus far, we have much ahead in these days. The Lord provided me with a good night and weekend job to work part time during the hours my wife and I can trade off on baby duty. Going to make personal time togther even more cherished then it is now, but we will manage. The Lord knows what we each need and gives us help in our weakness.
Working two jobs the last two weeks has not been easy, but only one more to go then I will be a house husband by day. My two and a half years in the Material handling world will come to an end peacefully. I have had a good time, enjoyed the job, but eagerly look forward to task ahead.
Our future is only clear in the eyes of the Lord. His eyes are the ones which matter. We do not need to know tommrow, we are not promised anything other than He will be with us always. Through all trials, struggles, and fears He is there to watch over us. So He will guide us and give us mercy. In the weeks ahead I hope to update more, we will see how things go and hopefully settle down from all the chaos of this past year.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Psalm 66:16-20
Come and hear, all you who fear God, And I will declare what He has done for my soul. I cried to Him with my mouth, And He was extolled with my tongue. If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear. But certainly God has heard me; He has attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, Who has not turned away my prayer, Nor His mercy from me!
Psalm 66:16-20
Not too long ago the popular form of distance communication was a radio allowing only one person to talk at a time. You had to get out what you wanted to say and wait for the response of the other party. With the world changing so much, the invention of cell phones, emails, texts, we do not have as much a problem with lag time in conversation. It seems sometimes we are still living in the past because we will not quit making noise so we can just listen.
God wants us to be silent before Him, for He is both Holy and He wants to speak into our hearts. We have cried out with our hearts to Him, we have sought His face in the sanctuary. When we have not done these things we will soon notice we are missed. Too often the loudest and most troubling disturbance in our conversations with God is our own heart. We are the ones full of so much pride we lose sight of His Glory. We are so selfish we do not hear who He wants us to pray for. Our own sins in our own hearts cause too much interruption. And He is ever patient.
You are the workmanship of Jesus. He has made you and is forming you more and more so every day. Every trial, every circumstance, nothing comes your way without His command. Through His hands your life is filtered. Blessed is God who does listen to our prayers. Begin such prayers with the words of a humble heart, asking if there be anything in our lives hindering us from a fresh encounter, the Lord remove such problems. Come and hear.
Psalm 66:16-20
Not too long ago the popular form of distance communication was a radio allowing only one person to talk at a time. You had to get out what you wanted to say and wait for the response of the other party. With the world changing so much, the invention of cell phones, emails, texts, we do not have as much a problem with lag time in conversation. It seems sometimes we are still living in the past because we will not quit making noise so we can just listen.
God wants us to be silent before Him, for He is both Holy and He wants to speak into our hearts. We have cried out with our hearts to Him, we have sought His face in the sanctuary. When we have not done these things we will soon notice we are missed. Too often the loudest and most troubling disturbance in our conversations with God is our own heart. We are the ones full of so much pride we lose sight of His Glory. We are so selfish we do not hear who He wants us to pray for. Our own sins in our own hearts cause too much interruption. And He is ever patient.
You are the workmanship of Jesus. He has made you and is forming you more and more so every day. Every trial, every circumstance, nothing comes your way without His command. Through His hands your life is filtered. Blessed is God who does listen to our prayers. Begin such prayers with the words of a humble heart, asking if there be anything in our lives hindering us from a fresh encounter, the Lord remove such problems. Come and hear.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Psalm 66:6-15
8 Oh, bless our God, you peoples! And make the voice of His praise to be heard, 9 Who keeps our soul among the living, And does not allow our feet to be moved. 10 For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined. 11 You brought us into the net; You laid affliction on our backs. 12 You have caused men to ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water; But You brought us out to rich fulfillment. 13 I will go into Your house with burnt offerings; I will pay You my vows, 14 Which my lips have uttered And my mouth has spoken when I was in trouble. 15 I will offer You burnt sacrifices of fat animals, With the sweet aroma of rams; I will offer bulls with goats. Selah Psalm 66:6-15
So sweet it is to look behind you and see the vast distance you have come. Each journey is designed to bring us closer to the Father, closer to Him with every breath and beat of our heart. It is on those meditative moments we can lean close to the Father and thank Him for getting us down the long and difficult road.
Maybe the road of hardship is just beginning, maybe you are in nearing the end or just getting through it is all that you can even see. What matters most is tucked away in the message of this Psalm. It is a reminder that God is God and He is the one who lead us. We are also advised to hold true to whatever promises we have made to the Lord in the midst of the fire. You know the ones I am talking of, you will pray more, read the Bible more, and do more for others if only the Lord would spare you now. Repay those vows as they were made to the One who has walked you through.
Whatever the case may be, whatever you are dealing with in this life, He is faithful. Maybe now is a joyful time and things are well, rejoice for the Lord has given these moments to you in order to encourage others! He gives no pain without purpose or pleasure without a plan. He loves you and will remain faithful to the promises He has made in the Word to always be right here.
So sweet it is to look behind you and see the vast distance you have come. Each journey is designed to bring us closer to the Father, closer to Him with every breath and beat of our heart. It is on those meditative moments we can lean close to the Father and thank Him for getting us down the long and difficult road.
Maybe the road of hardship is just beginning, maybe you are in nearing the end or just getting through it is all that you can even see. What matters most is tucked away in the message of this Psalm. It is a reminder that God is God and He is the one who lead us. We are also advised to hold true to whatever promises we have made to the Lord in the midst of the fire. You know the ones I am talking of, you will pray more, read the Bible more, and do more for others if only the Lord would spare you now. Repay those vows as they were made to the One who has walked you through.
Whatever the case may be, whatever you are dealing with in this life, He is faithful. Maybe now is a joyful time and things are well, rejoice for the Lord has given these moments to you in order to encourage others! He gives no pain without purpose or pleasure without a plan. He loves you and will remain faithful to the promises He has made in the Word to always be right here.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Psalm 66:5-7
Come and see the works of God;
He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men.
He turned the sea into dry land;
They went through the river on foot.
There we will rejoice in Him.
He rules by His power forever;
His eyes observe the nations;
Do not let the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah
Psalm 66:5-7
Remember when…? Our Lord always seems to point to the exodus of Israel and the parting of the Red Sea as one of His crowning achievements.
Yes it was a simple act for the Lord to defy both gravity and the properties of water in order to cause a dry ground for thousands of Israelites to walk, but He makes a point to bring it up throughout the Old Testament.
Our Lord delights in remembering how from one man came forth a nation. It only makes sense then the Lord knows what is going on in this world moment by moment, no nation or Kingdom is ever built or destroyed without His knowledge or allowing such. He cares about the big things of this world, but He is also interested in the smallest things, even the simplest things in our lives.
What we do not want to find ourselves doing is asking the Lord what kind of cereal He would rather have us buy. If that is the deepest our prayers ever get we need to keep swimming. He is observing us, watching over us, desiring to take an active role in our lives. He did in truth give His own life so we can live, how much more than should we give our lives back to Him.
He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men.
He turned the sea into dry land;
They went through the river on foot.
There we will rejoice in Him.
He rules by His power forever;
His eyes observe the nations;
Do not let the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah
Psalm 66:5-7
Remember when…? Our Lord always seems to point to the exodus of Israel and the parting of the Red Sea as one of His crowning achievements.
Yes it was a simple act for the Lord to defy both gravity and the properties of water in order to cause a dry ground for thousands of Israelites to walk, but He makes a point to bring it up throughout the Old Testament.
Our Lord delights in remembering how from one man came forth a nation. It only makes sense then the Lord knows what is going on in this world moment by moment, no nation or Kingdom is ever built or destroyed without His knowledge or allowing such. He cares about the big things of this world, but He is also interested in the smallest things, even the simplest things in our lives.
What we do not want to find ourselves doing is asking the Lord what kind of cereal He would rather have us buy. If that is the deepest our prayers ever get we need to keep swimming. He is observing us, watching over us, desiring to take an active role in our lives. He did in truth give His own life so we can live, how much more than should we give our lives back to Him.
Friday, September 10, 2010
One home, one to go
September 8th was Kenneth's big discharge day. Holly and I went up to the hospital and watched as our baby boy was officially unhooked from all the heart monitor's and everything else. Strange suddenly not having him so attached, and free. Pretty amazing. Holly's friend Charity came up to see us off which was a blessing. Always nice to have company to celebrate the moment. We hope soon we can have the same with Erin. As of today she is 4'4.5 so she is getting there. Hoping to have her home next week!
Kenneth made it home safe and has been doing great ever since. He is not a very cranky baby unless he is hungry or doesnt want to be changed. Otherwise my little boy is home and there is nothing quite as exciting! Also very tired, going to be even more so once Erin gets home. Holly's friend Lindsey came over when we got home with Kenneth to help get him settled into his new world. Little Avery of course bouncing off the walls with excitment, been a long time waiting for the little ones. She is full of joy over her siblings.
Last night a few breif stop by visits from Holly's mom and sister, and friend Joni. He did well last night again, keeping mommy and daddy very active and wishing our bedroom was bigger as we have the pack and play stuffed into the small space between the bed and the dresser. Going to have to upgrade soon. So far so good. Just waiting to see what the Lord has in store in the coming months. Going to be tired, but going to be fun.
Kenneth made it home safe and has been doing great ever since. He is not a very cranky baby unless he is hungry or doesnt want to be changed. Otherwise my little boy is home and there is nothing quite as exciting! Also very tired, going to be even more so once Erin gets home. Holly's friend Lindsey came over when we got home with Kenneth to help get him settled into his new world. Little Avery of course bouncing off the walls with excitment, been a long time waiting for the little ones. She is full of joy over her siblings.
Last night a few breif stop by visits from Holly's mom and sister, and friend Joni. He did well last night again, keeping mommy and daddy very active and wishing our bedroom was bigger as we have the pack and play stuffed into the small space between the bed and the dresser. Going to have to upgrade soon. So far so good. Just waiting to see what the Lord has in store in the coming months. Going to be tired, but going to be fun.
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
How did my baby Avery turn into a preschooler already? Four years is not long enough, my little girl is growing up. Both of them are actually, but more on that in a minute. You would have thought it was Christmas morning as excited as our big girl was about getting to school. This was a whole new experience, new teachers, new friends, and after the crazy summer she has had a nice change. Now here she is little miss sunshine of our lives ready to take on the world, at least after a twenty minute wait in the parking lot. Finally out little Nemo was ready for the big ocean. Upon dropping off Avery, we got lots of pictures and made sure she was settling in well. Thankfully she did seem to get along with the other kids and even told mommy she knew how to be a good girl, she was going to be fine, and told mommy to leave. Guess that means she was ready to grow into the big sister shoes and be a big girl. Love my darling Av and look forward to seeing her education progress. Baby Erin had her first bath this evening which was a real treat. She handled it pretty well, not nearly as loudly as her brother. Think she was more just enjoying the scrub down gently as possible.
Our precious darling, just wish she was coming home along with her brother.
Providing his sleep test goes well tonight, little Kenneth will be making his way home! We are of course thrilled as could be expected. But even now my darling wife is ever so gently pulling me from the blog world to get the house cleaned as it really desperately needs help. So more on this later.
Monday, September 06, 2010
Happy Dance
Weekday nighttime NICU nurses seem to be more fun and energetic. At least the ones we have had today and this evening seem this way. Holly, Avery, and daddy went to dinner after being at the hospital for all afternoon. It is good to get out every so often, though it seems like we pretty much eat and live in the city these days. Just have to be close to our babies.
Little Kenneth is doing so well, the doctor even said he was making fun of the system. Guess he is taking all of his food by bottle and has been good with his heart rate for the last several days now. He is a good 5lb 8.6oz at measurements tonight. Wish we had a little gram scale at home, we will miss knowing these numbers once we get them home. He may actually be coming home this week in fact, just a few more days. Having him home will make things interesting at the Bowlby house, sure hope we are ready for baby.
As soon as we got in this evening we were excited to see our little Erin reach the four pound mark! She is 4 and .4 ounces. Never thought it would make me smile so much to see 4, but the Lord has been so good to us. He is providing and watching over us. So we did the happy dance as we always do, I know the nurse loves to watch us when we get into the room. It is good to see some uplifting when so many babies take a long time to struggle and get there. Still a ways to go with her, but she will get there. She’s more of a diva they call her, she milks attention then goes back to sleep. She mostly likes to sleep in the day and be awake at night, which unfortunately is the opposite of her brother. He likes to eat when he’s hungry then go back to sleep, but he is awake more in the day.
Little Avery is heading to preschool for her first day tomorrow. She is of course very excited. I am looking forward to hearing how it goes. School is going to be good for her to have this in the midst of the new babies and all, since it something belonging to her and her alone. So happy tears as we see both our little girls growing up, happy dances too.
Psalm 66:1-4
To the Chief Musician. A Song. A Psalm.
Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth!Sing out the honor of His name; Make His praise glorious.Say to God, “How awesome are Your works! Through the greatness of Your power Your enemies shall submit themselves to You.All the earth shall worship You And sing praises to You; They shall sing praises to Your name.” Selah
Psalm 66:1-4
Praise be on your lips, in your heart, and always flowing through your mind. A shout of joy to the Lord of all is the key of this Psalm. Psalm 66 may allude to a victory Israel experienced over Assyria as is referenced in Isaiah 36-37. We see the whole earth being told to praise the Name of the Lord of Israel.
All of the earth is told to praise and sing joyful shouts to the Lord. He is the God of Israel. His title of God of Israel will stand for all eternity; it is not one which is replaced by the Church in anyway. Both Israel and the Church have separate origins and destinies. It is important to know the Word of God, and know the plan God has for both Israel and the Church. His mission and work with Israel is not complete; it did not get taken over by the Church.
Jesus Christ will always be our Jewish Messiah, Lord and King over all of Israel and the world. He is currently on His Father’s throne but will one day return to sit in the throne of David and rule from Jerusalem. Everything in the Word of God points toward His reign. So we sing praise now just as we will then, and may the whole world continue to sing praises to His Name.
Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth!Sing out the honor of His name; Make His praise glorious.Say to God, “How awesome are Your works! Through the greatness of Your power Your enemies shall submit themselves to You.All the earth shall worship You And sing praises to You; They shall sing praises to Your name.” Selah
Psalm 66:1-4
Praise be on your lips, in your heart, and always flowing through your mind. A shout of joy to the Lord of all is the key of this Psalm. Psalm 66 may allude to a victory Israel experienced over Assyria as is referenced in Isaiah 36-37. We see the whole earth being told to praise the Name of the Lord of Israel.
All of the earth is told to praise and sing joyful shouts to the Lord. He is the God of Israel. His title of God of Israel will stand for all eternity; it is not one which is replaced by the Church in anyway. Both Israel and the Church have separate origins and destinies. It is important to know the Word of God, and know the plan God has for both Israel and the Church. His mission and work with Israel is not complete; it did not get taken over by the Church.
Jesus Christ will always be our Jewish Messiah, Lord and King over all of Israel and the world. He is currently on His Father’s throne but will one day return to sit in the throne of David and rule from Jerusalem. Everything in the Word of God points toward His reign. So we sing praise now just as we will then, and may the whole world continue to sing praises to His Name.
Sunday, September 05, 2010
Acts 1: Waiting for Jesus' return
They also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven." Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away. Acts 1:9-14
What would you be doing in light of Jesus’ soon return? The disciples wondered every day if Jesus would return during that moment or later. Centuries have passed and we are all still looking up to the sky for that return. But we must not just sit around and wait without doing more. The disciples lead the way in prayer as they gathered with all the disciples and the women who followed Jesus closely. Together as brothers and sisters we are called into prayer and being one mind. By being one mind we are to be unified under the same banner of Christ and all that He did for us. Our prayer lives are not just something else we should do, it is something we have to do. Therefore get together and pray often, and don’t stop.
Wouldn’t you want to stand and stare after someone you loved departed or took flight? The disciples were probably wondering where Jesus was going and how long He would be before returning. But the disciples did not remain on the hill discussing the many theories of Christ’s return, nor did they speak about who the beast of Revelation might be. The Lord had other plans which were to move them off of that hill and into His purpose for the Church. So many of us are still standing on the hill, looking up to heaven, trying to figure out just when He might return. We think we have it all figured out as soon as a few people throw some bombs at each other and declare war. It is important to be paying attention to the signs of the times, but not as important as it is for us to be a sign pointing to Christ. The Lord did not put the Church here so it could sit on a hill, but so it could be the light to nations to the grace and love of God.
Jesus will return, do not let anyone take that one thing from you. Rather than just sitting around looking up we should remember the race we are to be running which is to bring all men to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, for the time is short before He does return.
Saturday, September 04, 2010
Zoo day
We spent some time at the zoo today to see the Elephants celebrate one of their own's 60th birthday. Pretty much everyone in town was there so it was a little crowded. All in all good. I took Avery and one of her friends, Lahna (sp?). So my almost four year old and her almost six year old friend made a good pair running around crazy. Some stranger gave us their wagon which was great, made for an easier trip around some of the zoo. What a day. I am so very tired. My darling wife spent all day with the twins, watching over them just like a good momma. She takes good care of them. The only trouble is getting my little Avery to sleep even though its midnight she has way to much get up and go drive.... ahhhhh. Is all i can say. What a weekend this is already turning out to be.
Friday, September 03, 2010
Cheerleader
Thessalonians 5:11 (New American Standard Bible)
“Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.”
Is it as obvious to you as it is to me, we all are in need of some encouragement today. In a world which seems bent on pulling us down and putting us out, any bit of joy would be a positive help. Apostle Paul speaks about encouraging each other constantly with the hope we have in Jesus, both as Redeemer and Creator. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be our comfort, our encouragement, our cheer leader. When we say cheer leader the first thing in your mind is probably a group of high school girls dancing around a field in routine fashion designed to uplift the players. But it is not the players on the field the cheer squad is speaking out to, it’s the bench.
When you are in the audience you watch the game and the cheer leaders. But how often are you being led to follow along and cheer? How many people in the stands are following the leadership of the cheerleaders? Think about the word. Think about how important it is to the players to see people in the stands cheering, or encouraging them.
As it is in the football or sports arena, so is true in life. We are involved in the game one way or another. The Holy Spirit is our cheer leader. He is there to constantly make us aware of the joy set before us in Christ Jesus. He is there to spell out V I C T O R Y every day to us. He will be way more dramatic than any group of high school girls ever will be. Plant this imagine in your mind during the upcoming football season. Listen to the leaders as they cheer on the crowd. Listen to your Leader as He encourages your Spirit and you in turn encourage others in the same manner.
“Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.”
Is it as obvious to you as it is to me, we all are in need of some encouragement today. In a world which seems bent on pulling us down and putting us out, any bit of joy would be a positive help. Apostle Paul speaks about encouraging each other constantly with the hope we have in Jesus, both as Redeemer and Creator. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be our comfort, our encouragement, our cheer leader. When we say cheer leader the first thing in your mind is probably a group of high school girls dancing around a field in routine fashion designed to uplift the players. But it is not the players on the field the cheer squad is speaking out to, it’s the bench.
When you are in the audience you watch the game and the cheer leaders. But how often are you being led to follow along and cheer? How many people in the stands are following the leadership of the cheerleaders? Think about the word. Think about how important it is to the players to see people in the stands cheering, or encouraging them.
As it is in the football or sports arena, so is true in life. We are involved in the game one way or another. The Holy Spirit is our cheer leader. He is there to constantly make us aware of the joy set before us in Christ Jesus. He is there to spell out V I C T O R Y every day to us. He will be way more dramatic than any group of high school girls ever will be. Plant this imagine in your mind during the upcoming football season. Listen to the leaders as they cheer on the crowd. Listen to your Leader as He encourages your Spirit and you in turn encourage others in the same manner.
Thursday, September 02, 2010
Psalm 65:5-13
By awesome deeds You answer us in righteousness, O God of our salvation,
You who are the trust of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest sea;
Who establishes the mountains by His strength, Being girded with might; Who stills the roaring of the seas, The roaring of their waves, And the tumult of the peoples. They who dwell in the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your signs; You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy. You visit the earth and cause it to overflow; You greatly enrich it; The stream of God is full of water; You prepare their grain, for thus You prepare the earth. You water its furrows abundantly, You settle its ridges, You soften it with showers, You bless its growth. You have crowned the year with Your bounty, And Your paths drip with fatness. The pastures of the wilderness drip, And the hills gird themselves with rejoicing. The meadows are clothed with flocks and the valleys are covered with grain; They shout for joy, yes, they sing.
Psalm 65:5-13
He is Creator… not of a big bang, but of a cosmic universe far beyond our understanding or comprehension. Science has gone a long way over the centuries and the true marvel is how far they will go to explain things in a way to promote their own preconceived notions. Every time I see the term millions of years ago, especially in my four year olds books. Denying the Creator is ultimately denying responsibility. And yet the irony is we teach about saving the planet which ‘accidently came into existence.’ He is the one who calms the roaring seas. Now fast forward to Jesus calming the Sea when the disciples were out in their fishing boat, Jesus once against proving to be the same God of the Old Testament and Creator. Psalm 65 is all about the Creation and the Creator. So often we stop to enjoy the beauty of our surroundings without pausing to dwell on His beauty. We forget, because we forget.
Shout for joy over your Maker, your Designer, your Creator. He made the earth and the seas and He loves all which He has made. All things in heaven and on earth created for a purpose, including you. He is the hope of all mankind from this side of the world all around. Every Nation will hear and be glad when they turn and acknowledge their Creator, their Savior, their God is Lord.
You who are the trust of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest sea;
Who establishes the mountains by His strength, Being girded with might; Who stills the roaring of the seas, The roaring of their waves, And the tumult of the peoples. They who dwell in the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your signs; You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy. You visit the earth and cause it to overflow; You greatly enrich it; The stream of God is full of water; You prepare their grain, for thus You prepare the earth. You water its furrows abundantly, You settle its ridges, You soften it with showers, You bless its growth. You have crowned the year with Your bounty, And Your paths drip with fatness. The pastures of the wilderness drip, And the hills gird themselves with rejoicing. The meadows are clothed with flocks and the valleys are covered with grain; They shout for joy, yes, they sing.
Psalm 65:5-13
He is Creator… not of a big bang, but of a cosmic universe far beyond our understanding or comprehension. Science has gone a long way over the centuries and the true marvel is how far they will go to explain things in a way to promote their own preconceived notions. Every time I see the term millions of years ago, especially in my four year olds books. Denying the Creator is ultimately denying responsibility. And yet the irony is we teach about saving the planet which ‘accidently came into existence.’ He is the one who calms the roaring seas. Now fast forward to Jesus calming the Sea when the disciples were out in their fishing boat, Jesus once against proving to be the same God of the Old Testament and Creator. Psalm 65 is all about the Creation and the Creator. So often we stop to enjoy the beauty of our surroundings without pausing to dwell on His beauty. We forget, because we forget.
Shout for joy over your Maker, your Designer, your Creator. He made the earth and the seas and He loves all which He has made. All things in heaven and on earth created for a purpose, including you. He is the hope of all mankind from this side of the world all around. Every Nation will hear and be glad when they turn and acknowledge their Creator, their Savior, their God is Lord.
Up close: David McDaniel
Up close: David McDaniel
If I had to rank my relationships and friends it is usually based on how they relate to God and how much love they have for the Word. Those whom I consider the closest and dearest are those who I have been able to share my life with and gain wisdom and insight. They say everyone comes into your life for a reason and we can and should grow from every encounter we have. So we should pursue friendship, social groups, and close bonds which can last for a lifetime.
Wednesday evenings at our Church we have a youth group, proudly bearing the name ‘Driven.’ It is a great group, wonderful worship, good leadership, and truly the place to hang out for all Jr. high to high school students, and your occasional adult who is there to bless the kids in any way possible. I am drawn to the youth as it brings up so many pleasant memories of my own high school youth group back in California. Water of Life had the youth group and the place to be every week for good time in the Word, and awesome worship. Also had a man who I have chosen to highlight in this issue of my ‘Up close’,
David McDaniel. David, or Dave, or little Dave as I call him has always been one of my heroes. Since I met him he has shown me what passion of Jesus is all about. I have watched him as he lead our group during the four years of high school, he struggled with the struggles of the kids and loved everyone of us. He displayed the kind of leadership you want to see out of a youth Pastor. He is hilarious as well. He always had the greatest stories to tell which would get you laughing hard, than he would hit you with some serious points which made you cry because the Holy Spirit would at that point being talking to you.
The Lord is greatly evidenced in people’s lives when they are truly selling themselves out to His service. Dave does just that. He left the Youth Group along with his family to pursue ministry in Japan with Discipleship training. He, his wife, and their three darling children all live in Japan now and are serving the Lord. Dave is a man who loves worshipping the Lord and spends all of his time introducing people to Jesus. The work he does is incredible and inspirational. Like so many great ministries, David and his family do live day by day by faith in the Lord to provide for their needs. Prayer is the most import thing, but if the Lord would call you to help further or you would just like to get to know them a little more. Here is the link to their webpage. David and his ministry to the people of Japan is a continual source of encouragement to me as he continues to reach out in the Name of Jesus to the lost.
http://web.mac.com/damare50/iWeb/Site/Welcome.html
If I had to rank my relationships and friends it is usually based on how they relate to God and how much love they have for the Word. Those whom I consider the closest and dearest are those who I have been able to share my life with and gain wisdom and insight. They say everyone comes into your life for a reason and we can and should grow from every encounter we have. So we should pursue friendship, social groups, and close bonds which can last for a lifetime.
Wednesday evenings at our Church we have a youth group, proudly bearing the name ‘Driven.’ It is a great group, wonderful worship, good leadership, and truly the place to hang out for all Jr. high to high school students, and your occasional adult who is there to bless the kids in any way possible. I am drawn to the youth as it brings up so many pleasant memories of my own high school youth group back in California. Water of Life had the youth group and the place to be every week for good time in the Word, and awesome worship. Also had a man who I have chosen to highlight in this issue of my ‘Up close’,
David McDaniel. David, or Dave, or little Dave as I call him has always been one of my heroes. Since I met him he has shown me what passion of Jesus is all about. I have watched him as he lead our group during the four years of high school, he struggled with the struggles of the kids and loved everyone of us. He displayed the kind of leadership you want to see out of a youth Pastor. He is hilarious as well. He always had the greatest stories to tell which would get you laughing hard, than he would hit you with some serious points which made you cry because the Holy Spirit would at that point being talking to you.
The Lord is greatly evidenced in people’s lives when they are truly selling themselves out to His service. Dave does just that. He left the Youth Group along with his family to pursue ministry in Japan with Discipleship training. He, his wife, and their three darling children all live in Japan now and are serving the Lord. Dave is a man who loves worshipping the Lord and spends all of his time introducing people to Jesus. The work he does is incredible and inspirational. Like so many great ministries, David and his family do live day by day by faith in the Lord to provide for their needs. Prayer is the most import thing, but if the Lord would call you to help further or you would just like to get to know them a little more. Here is the link to their webpage. David and his ministry to the people of Japan is a continual source of encouragement to me as he continues to reach out in the Name of Jesus to the lost.
http://web.mac.com/damare50/iWeb/Site/Welcome.html
Psalm 65:1-4
Psalm 65
For the choir director. A Psalm of David. A Song.
There will be silence before You, and praise in Zion, O God,
And to You the vow will be performed. You who hear prayer, To You all men come. Iniquities prevail against me; As for our transgressions, You forgive them. How blessed is the one whom You choose and bring near to You
To dwell in Your courts We will be satisfied with the goodness of Your house,
Your holy temple. Psalm 65:1-4
No matter what the depth of trouble you may have gotten yourself in, the Lord is always able to rescue you. He delights in His children and loves all those whom He created. He made all things, and He holds all things together. This is why He alone is able to forgive the sins of man. Jesus forgives every one of our sins, when we come to Him and lay them down before His throne.
Christians will reign with Christ as kings and priests in the heavenly Kingdom. He has not only redeemed our souls from death but also given us share in the inheritance waiting for us for eternity. It is going to be amazing. There we will find the rewards for the things we have done for Him. Nothing we do on earth can earn salvation, for that price has already been paid. But we do have the responsibility to do good works as His children for He made us to serve.
Forgiveness and Christian service should be mutual in their relationship. We have been forgiven, so we should be forgiving. He has given us mercy and grace, so should we to others. Our Christian walk should not be based on how many good works we can do to make our reputation look better, but how much more we can glorify His Name. In His temple we will be satisfied. In His house we will be forgiven.
For the choir director. A Psalm of David. A Song.
There will be silence before You, and praise in Zion, O God,
And to You the vow will be performed. You who hear prayer, To You all men come. Iniquities prevail against me; As for our transgressions, You forgive them. How blessed is the one whom You choose and bring near to You
To dwell in Your courts We will be satisfied with the goodness of Your house,
Your holy temple. Psalm 65:1-4
No matter what the depth of trouble you may have gotten yourself in, the Lord is always able to rescue you. He delights in His children and loves all those whom He created. He made all things, and He holds all things together. This is why He alone is able to forgive the sins of man. Jesus forgives every one of our sins, when we come to Him and lay them down before His throne.
Christians will reign with Christ as kings and priests in the heavenly Kingdom. He has not only redeemed our souls from death but also given us share in the inheritance waiting for us for eternity. It is going to be amazing. There we will find the rewards for the things we have done for Him. Nothing we do on earth can earn salvation, for that price has already been paid. But we do have the responsibility to do good works as His children for He made us to serve.
Forgiveness and Christian service should be mutual in their relationship. We have been forgiven, so we should be forgiving. He has given us mercy and grace, so should we to others. Our Christian walk should not be based on how many good works we can do to make our reputation look better, but how much more we can glorify His Name. In His temple we will be satisfied. In His house we will be forgiven.
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