Posted on May 23, 2008 at 5:35am.
“God helps those who help themselves” that’s found in the Bible, right? Well if you said yes two things, first you would be in line with 80% of born-again Christians who said yes in a recent survey and second you will have a hard time finding where it is found. The phrase doesn’t come from the Word of God it comes from the mind of Ben Franklin. The same survey said one third of the folks (not limited to Christians) didn’t know who delivered the Sermon on the Mount and only half could name the first book of the Bible. Hard to believe? I guess it is except that for many the Bible just isn’t important. However before we jump on the world we need to be honest with ourselves. We know who delivered the Sermon on the Mount and what the first book is but do we see this revelation as absolutely necessary for life? And if I say yes why is it that I can leave it closed?
Posted on May 22, 2008 at 5:14am.
I was reminded from two different sources that sometimes we need a new picture of things. The sources - a picture of Yankee Stadium and the Book of Revelation. Let me explain. Hanging in my study at home is a picture of celebration as the Yankees win their 26 World Series. That is more than any other team in any major sport. It is a picture of them beating the Mets (the other NY team). The problem? It was in 2000 eight years ago. WE need a fresh picture, a championship in 2008.
The apostle John wrote the book of Revelation on an island at the end of his life, a man in his 80’s. He had walked with Jesus, seen the miracles, heard the teaching and witnessed the crucifixion and resurrection but he needed something fresh. He got it in a bif way and as a result we have the revelation of Jesus Christ.It is a picture of Jesus as he is today. The strong, powerful, risen savior. I can’t wait to look at some of the picture together this summer.
Posted on May 21, 2008 at 8:40pm.
OK I know it doesn’t fit with the title of my blog but you can’t be a real blogger and not comment on American Idol. In my household there is disbelief that David A. lost. In my musical opinion he out-sang David C. However since I didn’t vote I really cannot complain. Anyway it was a lot of fun and I personally would have voted for ZZ Top (much more my style).
Posted on May 21, 2008 at 6:14am.
I was recently sent an article on evangelism by a friend. His comment was it maybe the best understanding of evangelism he had ever seen. After reading it I agree. It is written by Earl Palmer and the main point is “evangelism, like sanctification, takes time - therefore give it time.” Paul said it in a different way. He reminded the Corinthians that some plant, some water, and some reap the harvest but God causes it to grow. Unfortunately we many times are guilty of planting and wanting there to be “instant” fruit. We present the good news of the gospel and if people don’t respond we say some more and more and more. The best and least used tool of evangelism is knowing when to stop talking and give God time to work. You know sometimes I act as if the gospel and the Spirit don’t have the power to convict by watering someone’s soul. Good news takes time to sink in but when planted and allowed to take the journey of someone’s life it really will become good news to them. So go on, plant, water and watch the master grower at work.
Posted on May 20, 2008 at 9:21pm.
It has been a few days since I last wrote in my blog - I have actually missed the process. When you stop and think about it, it really is a strange process. Putting thoughts down on a computer screen and pushing a button and then the words appear somewhere else to be read by you. Strange but it works. I have found myself thinking about things that normally don’t get beyond my own mind or maybe to Suzi. Now suddenly they find their way on to this page to be read by you. All of that to say I will continue to let the ways God stirs me hopefully stir you to think about the awesome God we follow.
