Posted on July 22, 2009 at 6:46am.
Some days I wonder whether anyone ever really changes. Today is one of those days. The human heart (my human heart) truly is desperately wicked and as a result seems to run toward what is always best for me. The problem is that my relationship with Jesus tells me to live like he did and that means I need to be other centered. Therein lies the problem and that is what causes me to wonder if anyone ever changes. Throw the mysterious work of the Holy Spirit into the mix and I end up shaking my head. I know I believe that it is only the Spirit who can produce change in the human heart. I just struggle figuring out how it happens.
Posted on July 21, 2009 at 6:27am.
I am on my way to have breakfast with a friend. I already know what I am going to order. When I leave there, it will have been good to have eaten but the reality is I will be hungry again today. The process will be repeated all over again tomorrow and the next day and the next. Jesus made one of his great “I am” statements in John 6. He said, “I am the bread of life. He who who comes to me will never go hungry and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” The deepest longings in my soul are only going to be satisfied in Jesus, so go and eat.
Posted on July 20, 2009 at 6:32am.
It is so easy to get wrapped up in the busyness of life. There are so many things to do, so many lives to be a part of and if I am not careful I can rob myself of the most important thing - intimacy with Christ. Jesus understood the need to be alone with the Father. In Mark 1:35 we read - “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” There is something wrong with the picture when I let being busy crowd out my time with the Lord.
Posted on July 19, 2009 at 6:19am.
We are talking about integrity this weekend, how we need to walk our talk. Solomon says this about integrity in Proverbs 11:3 - “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.” It is more than just saying we love Jesus and sharing the gospel. It is also walking with integrity and courage - living out what we say we believe.
Posted on July 17, 2009 at 7:52am.
I have found myself going through Proverbs this week. So many wise sayings about everyday life. Many of them are not new thoughts but great reminders of things I already knew. They are often simple truths that could make a huge difference if I would only pay attention to them. Here is one of those that would be good for all of us to practice.
“He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.” Could someone pass the duct tape please?
