I Am Debtor
by Robert M. McCheyne (1813-1843)
When this passing world is done,
When has sunk yon glaring sun,
When we stand with Christ in glory,
Looking o'er life's finished story,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know —
Not till then — how much I owe.
When I hear the wicked call
On the rocks and hills to fall,
When I see them start and shrink
On the fiery deluge brink, —
Then, Lord, shall I fully know —
Not till then — how much I owe.
When I stand before the throne,
Dressed in beauty not my own,
When I see Thee as Thou art,
Love Thee with unsinning heart,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know —
Not till then — how much I owe.
When the praise of heav'n I hear,
Loud as thunder to the ear,
Loud as many water's noise,
Sweet as harp's melodious voice,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know —
Not till then — how much I owe.
Even on earth, as through a glass
Darkly, let Thy glory pass,
Make forgiveness feel so sweet,
Make Thy Spirit's help so meet,
Even on earth, Lord, make me know
Something of how much I owe.
Chosen not for good in me,
Wakened up from wrath to flee,
Hidden in the Saviour's side,
By the Spirit sanctified,
Teach me, Lord, on earth to show,
By my love, how much I owe.
Oft I walk beneath the cloud,
Dark, as midnight's gloomy shroud;
But, when fear is at the height,
Jesus comes, and all is light;
Blessed Jesus! bid me show
Doubting saints how much I owe.
When in flowery paths I tread,
Oft by sin I'm captive led;
Oft I fall — but still arise —
The Spirit comes — the tempter flies;
Blessed Spirit! bid me show
Weary sinners all I owe.
Oft the nights of sorrow reign —
Weeping, sickness, sighing, pain;
But a night Thine anger burns —
Morning comes and joy returns;
God of comforts! Bid me show
To Thy poor, how much I owe.
After I read this poem, the question, “Who Owes Who?” popped into my head. Let’s imagine that you owe somebody money. Would you keep asking and expecting that person to give you food, clothes, shelter, and other things you need & want? No, you would be grateful that this person is not demanding you to pay all your debt right now. And you certainly would become speechless when he canceled your debt because his son paid it all for you. Now imagine that you owe someone your life. Would you be expecting this person to keep protecting you, being there to meet your every need, comforting you, and taking away your pain? No, you would be forever grateful and would do anything for this person. But...what are we doing to God who gives us life on earth and eternal life in heaven? How many times have Christians felt that God should answer their prayers according to their will/desire (not His will)? They think that they have been really faithful Christians by obeying His Word (most of the time), consistently giving tithes/firstfruits, sharing the Gospel with others, serving in various ministries, helping the homeless, etc. They then expect God to bless them/reward them or at least answer their prayers. We, Christians, pray for healing, comfort, strength, wisdom, help, solutions, etc. and we totally trust God to answer our prayers. There is nothing wrong with praying and believing. That’s what faith is and that’s what the Bible teaches. However, is our attitude right? Do we act like God owes us something? Are we tapping our fingers and waiting impatiently and wondering what takes God so long to do something for us?
Seriously, God owes us nothing; we owe God everything!
God does not have to love us but He does. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
God does not have to forgive us but He does. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
God does not have to show grace and mercy to us but He does. “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
God does not have to save us from eternal damnation and give us eternal life but He does. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23
God does not have to answer our prayers but He does. “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us–whatever we ask–we know that we have what we asked of Him.” 1 John 5:14-15
God does not have to care about us or bear our burdens but He does. “Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.” Psalm 68:19 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
He does what He does because it’s His character. It’s all about Him, not us. The fact that He loves us so much and gave His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, to be the sacrifice once and for all so that by His grace we are saved through faith in Jesus...is beyond comprehension. By His grace alone, folks! We can do nothing to earn salvation. Jesus paid the debt that we cannot pay. Even if God does nothing else for our lives, we should be eternally grateful for our salvation. We have nothing to complain about whatsoever. We live each day under His grace. When you pray, remember to pray for His will (not your will) to be done because His will is the best and because He is God who owes you nothing.
“In Jesus' name we voice our prayers—
The Bible tells us to;
But may we never use that name
To tell God what to do.”
~D. De Haan
~Please visit here for the links to other Spiritual Sundays posts. Thanks so much to Charlotte and Ginger for hosting Spiritual Sundays every week. Have a blessed day in the Lord, everyone!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Take My Life
Note: Please turn off my music playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the video.
"Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires yo had when you lived in ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" 1 Peter 1:13-16
"It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God--that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: 'Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.'" 1 Corinthians 1:30-31
O Lord, please take my heart, mind, and will and change them to be like yours!
Previous Songs:
- In Christ Alone
- Sweetly Broken
- Be Thou My Vision
- God With Us
- Offering- Christmas Version
- How Many Kings
- Give Thanks
- When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
- He Knows My Name
- Oh Lord, You're Beautiful!
- What the Lord Has Done in Me
- I Surrender All
- Mighty To Save
- Could I Be Called a Christian?
- Cry Out to Jesus
- Jesus, Be the Center
- God of Justice
- Love That Will Not Let Me Go
- I Will Offer Up My Life
- When It's All Been Said and Done
- Knowing You, Jesus
"Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires yo had when you lived in ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" 1 Peter 1:13-16
"It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God--that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: 'Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.'" 1 Corinthians 1:30-31
O Lord, please take my heart, mind, and will and change them to be like yours!
Previous Songs:
- In Christ Alone
- Sweetly Broken
- Be Thou My Vision
- God With Us
- Offering- Christmas Version
- How Many Kings
- Give Thanks
- When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
- He Knows My Name
- Oh Lord, You're Beautiful!
- What the Lord Has Done in Me
- I Surrender All
- Mighty To Save
- Could I Be Called a Christian?
- Cry Out to Jesus
- Jesus, Be the Center
- God of Justice
- Love That Will Not Let Me Go
- I Will Offer Up My Life
- When It's All Been Said and Done
- Knowing You, Jesus
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Sola Gratia (Grace Alone)
In our society, some people feel that they are entitled to this and that. They seem to think that they deserve happiness, success, comfortable living, fair treatment, etc. for whatever reasons. What do we all really deserve? The Bible says that we deserve death, punishment, and God’s wrath. However, because of God’s grace and mercy, we get what we do not deserve while we do not get what we deserve.
By His grace, God offers us the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ who died on the cross for our sins. God’s sinless, sovereign Son scorned by several, sacrificed self (solely suitable, satisfactory scapegoat) to save sinners’ souls securely from sin, suppressing sly satan’s scheme. That’s amazing grace, indeed!
“For it is by grace your have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
“To the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that He lavished on us.” Ephesians 1:6-8
“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” John 1:17
Are you in pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness? Jesus Christ is the only One who can give you an eternal life/an abundant life, true liberty (from sins and from spiritual death), and true joy (not fleeting happiness).
What Does “Grace” Mean to You?
“The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst.” 1 Timothy 1:14-15
“The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 5:20-21
No words can adequately describe the depth and magnitude of God’s grace. Nothing can compare to God’s grace. Without God’s grace, there would be no salvation, forgiveness, redemption, righteousness, and reconciliation. The more we realize how wretched we are, the more we understand, appreciate, and embrace God’s grace.
Excuse to Sin?…Not!
God’s grace is greater than all our sin, guilt, and shame. However, it is not an excuse for us to do whatever we want.
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8)
“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them--yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.” (1 Corinthians 15:10)
By God’s grace, we are set free from being slaves to sin so that we may do “every good work” that God calls us to do.
“For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2: 10)
Grow in Grace
“But grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and for ever! Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18)
How do you grow in grace? By imitating Jesus Christ! He is the ultimate picture of “grace”...the Embodiment of God's grace! Is grace evident in your speech, attitude, and actions? Do you extend grace that the Lord bestowed upon you to others?
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and Godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope--the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good.” (Titus 2:11-14)
“Growing in grace” means learning to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions while living self-controlled, upright, and Godly lives, being more like Christ each day.
His Grace is Sufficient
Not only are we saved by grace alone, but also we live/survive each day by His grace.
“But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ's power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) “Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)
When we face trials in life, God’s grace always sustains us and strengthens us. His grace is sufficient for you and me in any situation. When we fail, God's grace is there to forgive us and remind us that He loves us no matter what. Rest in His unending & unconditional love, grace, and mercy!
John Newton who wrote the famous hymn, “Amazing Grace” said shortly before his death, “My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: That I am a great sinner and that Christ is a great Savior!” May we never stop being amazed by God’s grace!
God’s grace saved and redeemed us
Restored our relationship with our Heavenly Father
Amazing love demonstrated thus
Christ died for all sinners
Eternal life offered to all who believe in Jesus
~Please visit here for the links to other Spiritual Sundays posts. Thanks so much to Charlotte and Ginger for hosting Spiritual Sundays every week. Have a blessed day in the Lord, everyone!
By His grace, God offers us the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ who died on the cross for our sins. God’s sinless, sovereign Son scorned by several, sacrificed self (solely suitable, satisfactory scapegoat) to save sinners’ souls securely from sin, suppressing sly satan’s scheme. That’s amazing grace, indeed!
“For it is by grace your have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
“To the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that He lavished on us.” Ephesians 1:6-8
“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” John 1:17
Are you in pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness? Jesus Christ is the only One who can give you an eternal life/an abundant life, true liberty (from sins and from spiritual death), and true joy (not fleeting happiness).
What Does “Grace” Mean to You?
“The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst.” 1 Timothy 1:14-15
“The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 5:20-21
No words can adequately describe the depth and magnitude of God’s grace. Nothing can compare to God’s grace. Without God’s grace, there would be no salvation, forgiveness, redemption, righteousness, and reconciliation. The more we realize how wretched we are, the more we understand, appreciate, and embrace God’s grace.
Excuse to Sin?…Not!
God’s grace is greater than all our sin, guilt, and shame. However, it is not an excuse for us to do whatever we want.
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8)
“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them--yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.” (1 Corinthians 15:10)
By God’s grace, we are set free from being slaves to sin so that we may do “every good work” that God calls us to do.
“For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2: 10)
Grow in Grace
“But grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and for ever! Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18)
How do you grow in grace? By imitating Jesus Christ! He is the ultimate picture of “grace”...the Embodiment of God's grace! Is grace evident in your speech, attitude, and actions? Do you extend grace that the Lord bestowed upon you to others?
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and Godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope--the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good.” (Titus 2:11-14)
“Growing in grace” means learning to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions while living self-controlled, upright, and Godly lives, being more like Christ each day.
His Grace is Sufficient
Not only are we saved by grace alone, but also we live/survive each day by His grace.
“But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ's power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) “Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)
When we face trials in life, God’s grace always sustains us and strengthens us. His grace is sufficient for you and me in any situation. When we fail, God's grace is there to forgive us and remind us that He loves us no matter what. Rest in His unending & unconditional love, grace, and mercy!
John Newton who wrote the famous hymn, “Amazing Grace” said shortly before his death, “My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: That I am a great sinner and that Christ is a great Savior!” May we never stop being amazed by God’s grace!
God’s grace saved and redeemed us
Restored our relationship with our Heavenly Father
Amazing love demonstrated thus
Christ died for all sinners
Eternal life offered to all who believe in Jesus
~Please visit here for the links to other Spiritual Sundays posts. Thanks so much to Charlotte and Ginger for hosting Spiritual Sundays every week. Have a blessed day in the Lord, everyone!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
In Christ Alone
Note: Please turn off my music playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the video.
Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
This is one of my all-time favorite songs. In Christ alone, I am who I am today...born again and blessed!
"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12
Do you seek hope, security, fulfillment, comfort in people, wealth, things, career, achievement, fame, or religions? If so, you are seeking in the wrong place. Jesus Christ is the answer you need. You will never be truly content until you realize that you are complete in Christ alone.
In Christ we have...
a love that can never be fathomed,
a life that can never die,
a peace that can never be understood,
a rest that can never be disturbed,
a joy that can never be diminished,
a hope that can never be disappointed,
a glory that can never be clouded,
a light that can never be darkened,
and a spiritual resource that can never be exhausted.
~Anonymous
Previous Songs:
- Sweetly Broken
- Be Thou My Vision
- God With Us
- Offering- Christmas Version
- How Many Kings
- Give Thanks
- When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
- He Knows My Name
- Oh Lord, You're Beautiful!
- What the Lord Has Done in Me
- I Surrender All
- Mighty To Save
- Could I Be Called a Christian?
- Cry Out to Jesus
- Jesus, Be the Center
- God of Justice
- Love That Will Not Let Me Go
- I Will Offer Up My Life
- When It's All Been Said and Done
- Knowing You, Jesus
Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
This is one of my all-time favorite songs. In Christ alone, I am who I am today...born again and blessed!
"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12
Do you seek hope, security, fulfillment, comfort in people, wealth, things, career, achievement, fame, or religions? If so, you are seeking in the wrong place. Jesus Christ is the answer you need. You will never be truly content until you realize that you are complete in Christ alone.
In Christ we have...
a love that can never be fathomed,
a life that can never die,
a peace that can never be understood,
a rest that can never be disturbed,
a joy that can never be diminished,
a hope that can never be disappointed,
a glory that can never be clouded,
a light that can never be darkened,
and a spiritual resource that can never be exhausted.
~Anonymous
Previous Songs:
- Sweetly Broken
- Be Thou My Vision
- God With Us
- Offering- Christmas Version
- How Many Kings
- Give Thanks
- When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
- He Knows My Name
- Oh Lord, You're Beautiful!
- What the Lord Has Done in Me
- I Surrender All
- Mighty To Save
- Could I Be Called a Christian?
- Cry Out to Jesus
- Jesus, Be the Center
- God of Justice
- Love That Will Not Let Me Go
- I Will Offer Up My Life
- When It's All Been Said and Done
- Knowing You, Jesus
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Thankful Thursday #17
This week...
1. I am thankful for our local speech/apologetics club that my daughter has participated in. Her speech presentation went very well last Friday. Her grandma, our neighbor, and some friends came to attend and they all enjoyed it. She is becoming a confident speaker and a well-equipped defender of the faith.
2. I am thankful for the opportunity to host a weekly Bible study for the international students (from a local university) at our home again (we had done this before in the past). I hope and pray that God will use our family and our home for His glory and that the students will be drawn to Jesus.
3. I am thankful for churches, individuals, and organizations (like Gospel for Asia) which share my passion of reaching the lost (especially the unreached) with the Gospel.
4. I am thankful for rain. It is so refreshing. I love the after-rain smell :). I even enjoy stormy weather as long as it doesn't hurt anyone or anything.
5. I am thankful that God is patient with me. Sometimes it seems that my sanctification process is so slow. I often slip and slide. I am also thankful that my family is patient with me. I hope I am patient with others, too. Love is patient!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
The Path of Life
Book Review: Dug Down Deep by Joshua Harris
Note: Please turn off my music playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the video.
Book: Dug Down Deep
Author: Joshua Harris
Summary:
What will you build your life on?
With startling transparency, Joshua Harris shares how we can rediscover the relevance and power of Christian truth. This book shows a young man who rose quickly to success in the Christian evangelical world before he realized his spirituality lacked a foundation—it rested more on tradition and morality than on an informed knowledge of God.
For the indifferent or spiritually numb, Harris's humorous and engaging reflections on Christian beliefs show that orthodoxy isn't just for scholars—it is for anyone who longs to know the living Jesus Christ. As Harris writes, "I've come to learn that theology matters. It matters not because we want to impress people, but because what we know about God shapes the way we think and live. Theology matters because if we get it wrong then our whole life will be wrong."
Whether you are just exploring Christianity or you are a veteran believer finding yourself overly familiar and cold-hearted, Dug Down Deep will help you rediscover the timeless truths of Scripture. As Harris challenges you to root your faith and feelings about God in the person, work, and words of Jesus, he answers questions such as:
What is God like and how does he speak to me?What difference does it make that Jesus was both human and divine?How does Jesus's death on the cross pay for my sins?Who is the Holy Spirit and how does he work in my life?
With grace and wisdom, Harris will inspire you to revel in the truth that has captured his own mind and heart. He will ask you to dig deep into a faith so solid you can build your life on it. He will point you to something to believe in again.
Author Bio:
Joshua Harris is senior pastor of Covenant Life in Gaithersburg , Maryland , which belongs to the Sovereign Grace network of local churches. A passionate speaker with a gift for making theological truth easy to understand, Joshua is perhaps best known for his runaway bestseller, I Kissed Dating Goodbye, which he wrote at the age of twenty-one. His later books include Boy Meets Girl, Sex Is Not the Problem (Lust Is), and Stop Dating the Church. The founder of the NEXT conferences for young adults, Joshua is committed to seeing the gospel transferred to a new generation of Christians. He and his wife, Shannon, have three children.
My Review:
This is the first book by Joshua Harris that I have read. I enjoyed the book , appreciated his honesty and humility, and loved his drawing. He shares about his experiences along his faith journey...the good, the bad, and the ugly. He comes to the conclusion that what we know about God is truly essential in our Christian walk. The author tries to help readers understand and realize the importance and practicality of theology, doctrine, and orthodoxy. He proceeds to dig into various Christian doctrines such as the doctrine of God (theology proper), the doctrine of Scripture, the doctrine of the person and work of Christ, the doctrine of atonement and propitiation, the doctrine of salvation, the doctine of sanctification, the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, and the doctrine of the church. In the last chapter, he reminds us to boldly (not arrogantly or pridefully) stand up for God's truth and at the same time, to remain humble, gentle, and gracious. This is a down-to-earth book that digs deep into what we believe and why we believe it.
~This book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.
Author: Joshua Harris
Summary:
What will you build your life on?
With startling transparency, Joshua Harris shares how we can rediscover the relevance and power of Christian truth. This book shows a young man who rose quickly to success in the Christian evangelical world before he realized his spirituality lacked a foundation—it rested more on tradition and morality than on an informed knowledge of God.
For the indifferent or spiritually numb, Harris's humorous and engaging reflections on Christian beliefs show that orthodoxy isn't just for scholars—it is for anyone who longs to know the living Jesus Christ. As Harris writes, "I've come to learn that theology matters. It matters not because we want to impress people, but because what we know about God shapes the way we think and live. Theology matters because if we get it wrong then our whole life will be wrong."
Whether you are just exploring Christianity or you are a veteran believer finding yourself overly familiar and cold-hearted, Dug Down Deep will help you rediscover the timeless truths of Scripture. As Harris challenges you to root your faith and feelings about God in the person, work, and words of Jesus, he answers questions such as:
What is God like and how does he speak to me?What difference does it make that Jesus was both human and divine?How does Jesus's death on the cross pay for my sins?Who is the Holy Spirit and how does he work in my life?
With grace and wisdom, Harris will inspire you to revel in the truth that has captured his own mind and heart. He will ask you to dig deep into a faith so solid you can build your life on it. He will point you to something to believe in again.
Author Bio:
Joshua Harris is senior pastor of Covenant Life in Gaithersburg , Maryland , which belongs to the Sovereign Grace network of local churches. A passionate speaker with a gift for making theological truth easy to understand, Joshua is perhaps best known for his runaway bestseller, I Kissed Dating Goodbye, which he wrote at the age of twenty-one. His later books include Boy Meets Girl, Sex Is Not the Problem (Lust Is), and Stop Dating the Church. The founder of the NEXT conferences for young adults, Joshua is committed to seeing the gospel transferred to a new generation of Christians. He and his wife, Shannon, have three children.
My Review:
This is the first book by Joshua Harris that I have read. I enjoyed the book , appreciated his honesty and humility, and loved his drawing. He shares about his experiences along his faith journey...the good, the bad, and the ugly. He comes to the conclusion that what we know about God is truly essential in our Christian walk. The author tries to help readers understand and realize the importance and practicality of theology, doctrine, and orthodoxy. He proceeds to dig into various Christian doctrines such as the doctrine of God (theology proper), the doctrine of Scripture, the doctrine of the person and work of Christ, the doctrine of atonement and propitiation, the doctrine of salvation, the doctine of sanctification, the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, and the doctrine of the church. In the last chapter, he reminds us to boldly (not arrogantly or pridefully) stand up for God's truth and at the same time, to remain humble, gentle, and gracious. This is a down-to-earth book that digs deep into what we believe and why we believe it.
~This book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
I Want to Be...
I wrote the following poem more than 14 years ago on May 17, 1995. Each year I hope and pray that I will be more like Christ than the year before.
I want to be a sweet daughterWho makes her mom laugh and smile,
Helps out when her mom gets older,
And does her best as a grateful child
I want to be a submissive wife
Who serves and supports her husband,
Loves and respects him even in the midst of strife,
Shares memories, struggles, sorrows, and fun
I want to be a caring mother
Who's always there for her kids,
Helping them grow stronger and wiser,
And become spiritually rich
I want to be a dependable friend
Who tirelessly encourages others
I want to be a cheerful giver
Who expects nothing in return
I want to be a fruitful missionary
Who wins lost souls to the Lord for eternity
I want to be a loving neighbor
Who puts above self concerns for others
I want to be a faithful prayer warrior
Who won't stop praying 'til things get better
I want to be a joyful worshiper
Who sings praises to the Lord forever and ever
I want to be a kind "Good Samaritan"
Who readily tries to meet any needs, assist anyone
I want to be a true Christian example
Who keeps trusting God through any trials and troubles
The secret lies in JESUS
Who lives within us
I want to walk in His love and in His light
I want all I say and do to be pleasing in His sight
What I really want to say is...
I want to be...like CHRIST!
"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly beloved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Ephesians 5:1-2
~Please visit here for the links to other Spiritual Sundays posts. Thanks so much to Charlotte and Ginger for hosting Spiritual Sundays every week. Have a blessed day in the Lord, everyone!
I want to be a sweet daughterWho makes her mom laugh and smile,
Helps out when her mom gets older,
And does her best as a grateful child
I want to be a submissive wife
Who serves and supports her husband,
Loves and respects him even in the midst of strife,
Shares memories, struggles, sorrows, and fun
I want to be a caring mother
Who's always there for her kids,
Helping them grow stronger and wiser,
And become spiritually rich
I want to be a dependable friend
Who tirelessly encourages others
I want to be a cheerful giver
Who expects nothing in return
I want to be a fruitful missionary
Who wins lost souls to the Lord for eternity
I want to be a loving neighbor
Who puts above self concerns for others
I want to be a faithful prayer warrior
Who won't stop praying 'til things get better
I want to be a joyful worshiper
Who sings praises to the Lord forever and ever
I want to be a kind "Good Samaritan"
Who readily tries to meet any needs, assist anyone
I want to be a true Christian example
Who keeps trusting God through any trials and troubles
The secret lies in JESUS
Who lives within us
I want to walk in His love and in His light
I want all I say and do to be pleasing in His sight
What I really want to say is...
I want to be...like CHRIST!
"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly beloved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Ephesians 5:1-2
~Please visit here for the links to other Spiritual Sundays posts. Thanks so much to Charlotte and Ginger for hosting Spiritual Sundays every week. Have a blessed day in the Lord, everyone!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
As White As Snow
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in His blood." Romans 3: 24-25a
- Worship
Sunday, January 10, 2010
No Time For God
No Time For God
You've time to build houses, and in them dwell.
And time to do business--to buy and sell;
But none for repentance, or deep earnest prayer;
To seek your salvation you've no time to spare.
You've time for earth's pleasures, for frolic and fun,
For her glittering treasures, how quickly you run;
But care not to seek the fair mansion above,
The favor of God or the gift of His love.
You've time to take voyages over the sea,
And time to take in the world's jubilee;
But soon your bright hopes will be lost in the gloom
Of the cold, dark river of death and the tomb.
You've time to resort to the mountain and glen;
And time to gain knowledge from books and from men;
Yet no time to search for the wisdom of God,
But what of your soul when you're under the sod?
For time will not linger when helpless you lie,
Staring death in the face, you will take time to die.
Then what of the judgement--pause, think, I implore!
For time will be lost on eternity's shore.
~Author Unknown
Even for us Christians, sometimes it seems we have no time for God. We seem to find time for everything else but have a difficulty finding time to pray, worship, read, study, memorize God's Word...to just spend time with Him, sitting at His feet. O Lord, please help us never become "conceited lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God--having a form of Godliness but denying its power." (2 Timothy 3:4b-5a)
No Time For God....but
Time for work and play
Time for dance and shows
Time for pinochle and bridge
Time for lodges and politics
Time for Sunday golf and baseball
Time for newspapers and funnies
Time for novels and magazines
Time for fashions and radio
Time for television and gardens
Time for parties and parades
Time for everything under the sun
Except for God. (taken from a tract)
"Our lives can become so vagrant that God is exiled from our minds. It seems as though there is something in vagrancy that stupefies the soul, and renders us insensitive to our true home and rest in God." J. H. Jowett
"Your date book is your creed. What you believe in, you have time for." Unknown
"If satan can't make us bad, he'll make us busy." John West
"Spend plenty of time with God; let other things go, but don't neglect Him." Oswald Chambers
"I count that part of my life lost which I spent not in communion with God, or in doing good." John Donne
"Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12
"Come near to God and He will come near to you." James 4:8a
~Please visit here for the links to other Spiritual Sundays posts. Thanks so much to Charlotte and Ginger for hosting Spiritual Sundays every week. Have a blessed day in the Lord, everyone!
You've time to build houses, and in them dwell.
And time to do business--to buy and sell;
But none for repentance, or deep earnest prayer;
To seek your salvation you've no time to spare.
You've time for earth's pleasures, for frolic and fun,
For her glittering treasures, how quickly you run;
But care not to seek the fair mansion above,
The favor of God or the gift of His love.
You've time to take voyages over the sea,
And time to take in the world's jubilee;
But soon your bright hopes will be lost in the gloom
Of the cold, dark river of death and the tomb.
You've time to resort to the mountain and glen;
And time to gain knowledge from books and from men;
Yet no time to search for the wisdom of God,
But what of your soul when you're under the sod?
For time will not linger when helpless you lie,
Staring death in the face, you will take time to die.
Then what of the judgement--pause, think, I implore!
For time will be lost on eternity's shore.
~Author Unknown
Even for us Christians, sometimes it seems we have no time for God. We seem to find time for everything else but have a difficulty finding time to pray, worship, read, study, memorize God's Word...to just spend time with Him, sitting at His feet. O Lord, please help us never become "conceited lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God--having a form of Godliness but denying its power." (2 Timothy 3:4b-5a)
No Time For God....but
Time for work and play
Time for dance and shows
Time for pinochle and bridge
Time for lodges and politics
Time for Sunday golf and baseball
Time for newspapers and funnies
Time for novels and magazines
Time for fashions and radio
Time for television and gardens
Time for parties and parades
Time for everything under the sun
Except for God. (taken from a tract)
"Our lives can become so vagrant that God is exiled from our minds. It seems as though there is something in vagrancy that stupefies the soul, and renders us insensitive to our true home and rest in God." J. H. Jowett
"Your date book is your creed. What you believe in, you have time for." Unknown
"If satan can't make us bad, he'll make us busy." John West
"Spend plenty of time with God; let other things go, but don't neglect Him." Oswald Chambers
"I count that part of my life lost which I spent not in communion with God, or in doing good." John Donne
"Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12
"Come near to God and He will come near to you." James 4:8a
~Please visit here for the links to other Spiritual Sundays posts. Thanks so much to Charlotte and Ginger for hosting Spiritual Sundays every week. Have a blessed day in the Lord, everyone!
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Sweetly Broken
Note: Please turn off my playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the video.
"But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:5
I am lost for words whenever I want to express thanks for what Jesus has done for me. I am sweetly broken...wholly surrendered! I hope and pray that the Lord will find my life/my spirit/my heart a pleasing sacrifice.
"O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Your praise. For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart--These, O God, You will not despise." Psalm 51:15-17
"Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God." ~Bob Pierce, founder of World Vision
Previous Songs:
- Be Thou My Vision
- God With Us
- Offering- Christmas Version
- How Many Kings
- Give Thanks
- When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
- He Knows My Name
- Oh Lord, You're Beautiful!
- What the Lord Has Done in Me
- I Surrender All
- Mighty To Save
- Could I Be Called a Christian?
- Cry Out to Jesus
- Jesus, Be the Center
- God of Justice
- Love That Will Not Let Me Go
- I Will Offer Up My Life
- When It's All Been Said and Done
- Knowing You, Jesus
- In Christ Alone
"But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:5
I am lost for words whenever I want to express thanks for what Jesus has done for me. I am sweetly broken...wholly surrendered! I hope and pray that the Lord will find my life/my spirit/my heart a pleasing sacrifice.
"O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Your praise. For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart--These, O God, You will not despise." Psalm 51:15-17
"Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God." ~Bob Pierce, founder of World Vision
Previous Songs:
- Be Thou My Vision
- God With Us
- Offering- Christmas Version
- How Many Kings
- Give Thanks
- When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
- He Knows My Name
- Oh Lord, You're Beautiful!
- What the Lord Has Done in Me
- I Surrender All
- Mighty To Save
- Could I Be Called a Christian?
- Cry Out to Jesus
- Jesus, Be the Center
- God of Justice
- Love That Will Not Let Me Go
- I Will Offer Up My Life
- When It's All Been Said and Done
- Knowing You, Jesus
- In Christ Alone
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Thankful Thursday #16
This week...
1. I am thankful that "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23) It is very comforting to me that His mercies, compassions, and faithfulness never fail...never cease. "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." (Psalm 23:6) I am glad that I don't have to wake up to the same day everyday like the main character in the movie, "Groundhog Day" :). If I fail today or make mistakes or today is an unpleasant day (filled with troubles and sorrow, etc.), tomorrow is a brand new day...God's mercy, compassion, and faithfulness already waiting there for me.
2. I am thankful for solitude and silence. Just me and God alone! It's a precious time when all is well with my soul. You might find it funny but I enjoy ironing my husband's clothes. I spend that ironing time to think and pray. God often brings to my mind the Scriptures I need and/or the people I should pray for. "Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10a
3. I am thankful for tears. I usually feel much better after I cry. "Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him." (Psalm 126:5-6) I think it's wonderful that God created us with the ability to shed tears and thus release emotional tension. I cry easily...happy cries, sad cries, overwhelmed-by-God's love-for-me cries, cries over touching movies or songs, etc.
4. I am thankful for my beloved husband who is very loving, understanding, caring, and supportive. He is the greatest listener, counselor, peacemaker, encourager, and prayer partner.
5. I am thankful for my youngest son, Isaiah (8) who is a remarkable boy. He is such a joy and a blessing. He is obedient, respectful, polite, diligent, hard-working, kind, compassionate, patient, and cheerful.
P.S. I am hosting a book giveaway on my HSB blog. You can win a copy of The One Day Way: Today Is All the Time You Need to Lose All the Weight You Want by Chantel Hobbs. Please click here to enter. The deadline is January 15th.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Another Year of Living for God
"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23
Happy New Year, everyone! It is so comforting and refreshing to know that God’s compassions are new every morning on any day of any year. Let’s get bundled up in His great love and rest assured in His faithfulness. Let’s make each day count for the Lord’s glory.
"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24
"What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us." Ralph Waldo Emerson
I started this blog, "Living for God" on July 28, 2009. I truly appreciate all the comments and visits from everyone. I would like to share here my top twelve (my favorite number) posts of 2009 just in case you may find something that interests you :).
1. Eternal Perspective
2. Don't Waste Your Life
3. Complete in Christ
4. Have We Committed a Crime?
5. Could I Be Called a Christian?
6. Taming the Tongue
7. Brainwashed?
8. More Than Conquerors
9. Home Sweet Home
10.Kindness
11.Christmas According to Scrooge
12.Filled Up with Powerful Fuel
~Please visit here for the links to other Spiritual Sundays posts. Thanks so much to Charlotte and Ginger for hosting Spiritual Sundays every week. Have a blessed year, everyone!
Happy New Year, everyone! It is so comforting and refreshing to know that God’s compassions are new every morning on any day of any year. Let’s get bundled up in His great love and rest assured in His faithfulness. Let’s make each day count for the Lord’s glory.
"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24
"What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us." Ralph Waldo Emerson
I started this blog, "Living for God" on July 28, 2009. I truly appreciate all the comments and visits from everyone. I would like to share here my top twelve (my favorite number) posts of 2009 just in case you may find something that interests you :).
1. Eternal Perspective
2. Don't Waste Your Life
3. Complete in Christ
4. Have We Committed a Crime?
5. Could I Be Called a Christian?
6. Taming the Tongue
7. Brainwashed?
8. More Than Conquerors
9. Home Sweet Home
10.Kindness
11.Christmas According to Scrooge
12.Filled Up with Powerful Fuel
~Please visit here for the links to other Spiritual Sundays posts. Thanks so much to Charlotte and Ginger for hosting Spiritual Sundays every week. Have a blessed year, everyone!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Be Thou My Vision
I never get tired of listening to (or singing) "Be Thou My Vision." The words were translated from the 8th century Irish hymn by Mary E. Byrne (1880-1931) and versified by Eleanor H. Hull (1860-1935).
This hymn means so much to me because it is not only one of my all-time favorite hymns, but also my heart's desire and my prayer!
Note: Please turn off my playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the videos.
This hymn means so much to me because it is not only one of my all-time favorite hymns, but also my heart's desire and my prayer!
Note: Please turn off my playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the videos.
"Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." Proverbs 29:18
Lord, please give me your vision, passion, and compassion! Please help me to know You more and to be more like Christ. In Jesus's name, I pray. Amen!
Previous Songs:
- God With Us
- Offering- Christmas Version
- How Many Kings
- Give Thanks
- When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
- He Knows My Name
- Oh Lord, You're Beautiful!
- What the Lord Has Done in Me
- I Surrender All
- Mighty To Save
- Could I Be Called a Christian?
- Cry Out to Jesus
- Jesus, Be the Center
- God of Justice
- Love That Will Not Let Me Go
- I Will Offer Up My Life
- When It's All Been Said and Done
- Knowing You, Jesus
- In Christ Alone