How often do I read the Bible to get out of it what I can for me? How often do I read the Bible to learn what I can of God's glory? I thought this this morning, when I read Psalm 33.
The verse that inspired me most was Psalm 33:18-19. Let's see if I can remember it:
"The eyes of the LORD are on those who fear Him,
on those whose hope is in His unfailing love,
to deliver them from death, and keep them alive in famine."*
I was really comforted by the whole Psalm as it talks about how God should be praised because He loves righteousness, and how he thwarts the plans of nations.
But I missed the wood for the trees.
The Psalm is talking about God! How God does everything to be glorified himself!
"But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever,
the purposes of his heart through all generations." - Psalm 33:11
How often I look into me, instead of realising with all my heart that it's all about Jesus! All about him! Oh, for an undivided heart.
*I had to look up the very last phrase. So, I didn't remember it all.
Monday, 21 September 2009
Tuesday, 15 September 2009
The challenge of holiness
I may change the name of my blog.
Because even though my hope is in Christ, I'm currently being so challenged to live a life that pleases God in every way.
And everything in me is so bucking against it.
I never realised I was so sinful! Somewhere in the book of James are the words "to the one who knows what is right and does not do it, that is sin." I know God's law - it is etched on my heart, but the battle I fight to live holy is pretty tough. And I feel like I keep losing.
But here's the gospel bit to encourage me. I am in Christ. (Romans 8:1) I died with Christ, when he died, and in dying with Him I died to sin (Romans 8:2). And Christ is alive now. I live in Him (Romans 8:9). Because of this, I no longer need to give in to the desires of my sinful nature (Romans 8:12;15). AMAZING.
Because even though my hope is in Christ, I'm currently being so challenged to live a life that pleases God in every way.
And everything in me is so bucking against it.
I never realised I was so sinful! Somewhere in the book of James are the words "to the one who knows what is right and does not do it, that is sin." I know God's law - it is etched on my heart, but the battle I fight to live holy is pretty tough. And I feel like I keep losing.
But here's the gospel bit to encourage me. I am in Christ. (Romans 8:1) I died with Christ, when he died, and in dying with Him I died to sin (Romans 8:2). And Christ is alive now. I live in Him (Romans 8:9). Because of this, I no longer need to give in to the desires of my sinful nature (Romans 8:12;15). AMAZING.
Read this amazing post from my friend Phil
Philippa Wilson is a full-time Christian worker based in Nice, France. She blogs, and blogs very well. I just caught up with her most recent post, and it has encouraged me on almost every level; intellectually, spiritually, and emotionally.
It's about the journey of life, as a new season starts and it preaches the sweet message of grace. Read it here.
It's about the journey of life, as a new season starts and it preaches the sweet message of grace. Read it here.
Tuesday, 1 September 2009
D'you know what I'm thankful for?
I'm thankful that there are Christian music worship singers/leaders/artists who make amazing quality music that has really beautiful words. I'm thankful that, as I grow in my appreciation of music and its importance in the life of a Christian I can turn to some really great Christian artists to encourage me.
Some of my favourites
I'm also enjoying the older hymns! The video below is a mix of old and new, with Tomlin and Redman singing When I survey the wonderous cross by Issac Watts in 1707. (yup, had to Google that!)
Some of my favourites
- Lecrae - hip hop
- Timothy Brindle - hip hop
- Matt Redman - guitar led Christian worship
- Chris Tomlin - guitar led Christian worship
I'm also enjoying the older hymns! The video below is a mix of old and new, with Tomlin and Redman singing When I survey the wonderous cross by Issac Watts in 1707. (yup, had to Google that!)
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