Posted on October 16, 2009 at 8:21am.
We so want life to make sense, at least most of us do. Wrapped up in that sentiment is our belief that God should make sense, at least to our way of thinking. So when events happen that we believe are not fair or we are left shaking our heads in confusion - we blame God. Many times the blame begins like this - “How could a loving God…?” One of the passages I have underlined in my Bible is Romans 11:33-36:
“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgements, 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.”
Whether it makes sense or not, seems fair or not maybe I need to acknowledge that he is God.
Posted on October 12, 2009 at 9:26am.
If you have ever read the Letter to Philemon perhaps you have the same feeling that I do - Paul presumes a lot on his friend Philemon.. He expects him to forgive a wrong done to him and restore a relationship with the offending party. What strikes me most is that Paul’s strong appeal is based on his relationship with Philemon. It is true that the voices which have the most impact on me are those of friends who are committed to my life. In order to speak into someones life build a relationship first.
Posted on October 10, 2009 at 8:44am.
“Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” - Psalm 115:1
Those are two priceless attributes, God’s love and faithfulness. Thank you Lord that I am the beneficiary of who you are, because of Jesus.
Posted on October 9, 2009 at 9:27am.
I wonder what it means to have your heart change? There are days I wonder if change is really even possible? Part of those questions stem from the fact that I still battle the same temptations I always have. For example envy and anxiety are two issues I struggle with and they rolled over me like waves recently. So is change found in eliminating them from my life? If so I really haven’t changed. Is change making progress - if so then I am somewhat encouraged. While those questions remain for me I do know this, whatever change is, it is a slow work.
Posted on October 8, 2009 at 7:04am.
For those who follow this blog regularly, which may only be Suzi and my mother, this will come as no surprise - I have a lot of questions about prayer. There are times my questions turn into doubt. It is not that I don’t think God can do the things I am asking him and praying for but he doesn’t. Where my confusion grows is when I believe my requests have merit. Every now and then I see an answer to my prayers that allows me to see that my requests were in tune with his will and my heart rejoices. I know that prayer is not about me changing God but him changing my heart, for that I am thankful - but I still have questions.
