Thanks for all of you who prayed for me with my latest back episode. I had done pretty well for quite awhile, so I was surprised by the suddenness and randomness of this last one. In the past when this has happened, I have fought against this ailment and argued with God for letting this happen to me. This time I thought of Psalm 31:15- "My times are in your hands,"(trust me --this thought had to come from God!) and this became my breath prayer. Physically it was not easier, but mentally and emotionally --- it was.
We want to control our lives and yet what do we really control? In fact, we are utterly dependent upon God! Trusting or doubting? It's pretty simple, hard but simple--James 1 from our Bible reading last week -we find the consequences of failing to trust--vs 6 "...because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind."
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Imperfect Al! I guess you figured that out back in January when the Bible reading schedule went from Psalm 15 to Psalm 17. What about old number 16? It is still there and I hope you caught my faux pas and read it. The last verse in the Psalm gives us another snapshot of what heaven is going to be like.
Other Imperfection Thoughts: I have lived a long time thinking that at some point I would be able to say "Finished" and look back on my spiritual journey with a sense of closure. I have read Paul's words in 2 Tim 4--"I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith." Good for him! But what does that really mean? I listened to Andy Stanley's sermon, "How Good is Good Enough" --a great reminder that we never measure up; that God's Grace plan is so much better; that we are utterly dependent upon the grace of God. Paul struggled with his sin and failure to measure up (Romans 7), yet somehow was able to finish with a sense of honoring God in it all. Hmmm!! We probably would not admit it, but I think we want a salvation by grace and then want to somehow deserve it by our good works. (see Galatians) But as I process this, I realize more and more --it is all Grace-- and that is a good thing for imperfect people like me. Thank God!
Prayer: If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared." (Psalm 130:3,4)
Quote of the Day: "O Lord, deliver me from this lust of always vindicating myself." St Augustine
Other Imperfection Thoughts: I have lived a long time thinking that at some point I would be able to say "Finished" and look back on my spiritual journey with a sense of closure. I have read Paul's words in 2 Tim 4--"I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith." Good for him! But what does that really mean? I listened to Andy Stanley's sermon, "How Good is Good Enough" --a great reminder that we never measure up; that God's Grace plan is so much better; that we are utterly dependent upon the grace of God. Paul struggled with his sin and failure to measure up (Romans 7), yet somehow was able to finish with a sense of honoring God in it all. Hmmm!! We probably would not admit it, but I think we want a salvation by grace and then want to somehow deserve it by our good works. (see Galatians) But as I process this, I realize more and more --it is all Grace-- and that is a good thing for imperfect people like me. Thank God!
Prayer: If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared." (Psalm 130:3,4)
Quote of the Day: "O Lord, deliver me from this lust of always vindicating myself." St Augustine
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