Matthew 20:26-28
Yet it shall not be so among you; but whatever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave-- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many"
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Enhancing this symbolism, John mentions in verse 1 that "Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley." A drain ran from the temple alter down to the Kidron ravine to drain away the blood of sacrifices. At this time of year more than two hundred thousand lambs were slain. So when Jesus and his band crossed the Kidron, it was red with the blood of sacrifice.... divine poetry....
R. Kent Hughes in Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross, edited by Nancy Guthrie.
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Friday, February 27, 2015
day 9
Matthew 17: 22-23
Now while they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, "The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men, and thy will kill Him and the third day He will be raised up." And they were exceedingly sorrowful.
Now while they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, "The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men, and thy will kill Him and the third day He will be raised up." And they were exceedingly sorrowful.
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Day 8--God is our Hope!
24.Q. How are these articles divided?
A. Into three parts: God the Father and our creation; God the Son and our deliverance; God the Holy Spirit and our sanctification.
25.Q. Since there is but on God, why do you speak of three: Father Son and Holy Spirit?
A. Because that is how God revealed Himself in His Word, these three distinct persons are one, true eternal God.
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Matthew 16: 24-26
Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
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Yet in spite of this, the rage and madness of sin may continue unabated. Sin does this by the possession of the mind, suppressing any reflection of the consequences of its actions. Sin also does so by secret, stubborn resolve to venture forward on its mad course, whatever the consequences. In this way we see the force, strength and violence of sin in all its naked power.
John Owen--Sin and Temptation
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Lord Jesus Christ, who commanded us to love our enemies and all those who insult and hurt us, and to pray for them and forgive them; you yourself prayed for your enemies, who crucified you. Give us, we pray, a spirit of Christian reconciliation and meekness, so that we may forgive every injury and be reconciled with our enemies. Grant us Christian meekness and true love of our neighbor. Give to our enemies true peace and forgiveness of sins; and do not allow them to leave this life without true faith and sincere conversion. Help us to repay evil with goodness. —adapted from the Orthodox "Prayer for Enemies"
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For our Persecuted Family, pray that they will "count it all joy" in their suffering.
A. Into three parts: God the Father and our creation; God the Son and our deliverance; God the Holy Spirit and our sanctification.
25.Q. Since there is but on God, why do you speak of three: Father Son and Holy Spirit?
A. Because that is how God revealed Himself in His Word, these three distinct persons are one, true eternal God.
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Matthew 16: 24-26
Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
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Yet in spite of this, the rage and madness of sin may continue unabated. Sin does this by the possession of the mind, suppressing any reflection of the consequences of its actions. Sin also does so by secret, stubborn resolve to venture forward on its mad course, whatever the consequences. In this way we see the force, strength and violence of sin in all its naked power.
John Owen--Sin and Temptation
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Lord Jesus Christ, who commanded us to love our enemies and all those who insult and hurt us, and to pray for them and forgive them; you yourself prayed for your enemies, who crucified you. Give us, we pray, a spirit of Christian reconciliation and meekness, so that we may forgive every injury and be reconciled with our enemies. Grant us Christian meekness and true love of our neighbor. Give to our enemies true peace and forgiveness of sins; and do not allow them to leave this life without true faith and sincere conversion. Help us to repay evil with goodness. —adapted from the Orthodox "Prayer for Enemies"
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For our Persecuted Family, pray that they will "count it all joy" in their suffering.
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Day 7--HOPE from sin!
20. Q. Are all saved through Christ just as all were lost through Adam?
A. No. Only those are saved who by true faith are grafted into Christ and accept all His blessings.
21.Q. What is true faith?
A. True faith is not only a knowledge and a conviction that everything God reveals in His Word is true; it is also a deep-rooted assurance create in me by the Holy Spirit through the gospel, that , out of sheer grace earned for us by Christ, not only others, but I too, have had my sins forgiven, have been made forever with with God, and have been granted salvation.
22.Q. What then must a Christian believe?
A. Everything God promises us in the gospel. That Gospel is summarized for us in the articles of our Christian faith-- a creed beyond doubt and confessed through the world.
23. Q. What are are these articles:
A. I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; He descended to hell. The third day He arose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
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Listen to the creed put to music by Rich Mullins (I love this song!) Really! Listen!
Creed, by Rich Mullins
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Matthew 13: 41-43
(Jesus speaking) "The Son of Man will send out His angels and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend and those who practice lawlessness and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!"
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"The person who understand the evil in his own heart is the only person who is useful, fruitful an solid in his beliefs and obedience. Others only delude themselves and thus upset families, churches and all other relationships. In their self-pride and judgement of others, they are showing great inconsistency."
John Owen from Sin and Temptation
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Persecuted Family Prayer:
Pray that their ministry activities will remain undetected by authorities or others who wish to silence them.
A. No. Only those are saved who by true faith are grafted into Christ and accept all His blessings.
21.Q. What is true faith?
A. True faith is not only a knowledge and a conviction that everything God reveals in His Word is true; it is also a deep-rooted assurance create in me by the Holy Spirit through the gospel, that , out of sheer grace earned for us by Christ, not only others, but I too, have had my sins forgiven, have been made forever with with God, and have been granted salvation.
22.Q. What then must a Christian believe?
A. Everything God promises us in the gospel. That Gospel is summarized for us in the articles of our Christian faith-- a creed beyond doubt and confessed through the world.
23. Q. What are are these articles:
A. I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; He descended to hell. The third day He arose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
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Listen to the creed put to music by Rich Mullins (I love this song!) Really! Listen!
Creed, by Rich Mullins
__________________________________________________________________________
Matthew 13: 41-43
(Jesus speaking) "The Son of Man will send out His angels and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend and those who practice lawlessness and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!"
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"The person who understand the evil in his own heart is the only person who is useful, fruitful an solid in his beliefs and obedience. Others only delude themselves and thus upset families, churches and all other relationships. In their self-pride and judgement of others, they are showing great inconsistency."
John Owen from Sin and Temptation
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Persecuted Family Prayer:
Pray that their ministry activities will remain undetected by authorities or others who wish to silence them.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Day# 6--Sin is Costly
16.Q. Why must He be truly human and truly righteous?
A. God's justice demands that human nature, which has sinned, must pay for its sin; but a sinner could never pay for others.
17.Q. Why must He also be true God?
A. So that by the power of His divinity, He might bear the weight fo God's anger in His humanity and earn for us and restore to us righteousness and life.
18.Q. And who is the mediator--true God and at the same time truly human and truly righteous?
A. Our Lord Jesus Christ, who was given to us to set us completely free and to make us right with God.
19. Q. How do you come to know this?
A. the holy gospel tells me. God Himself began to reveal the gospel already in Paradise; later, He proclaimed it by the hold patriarchs and prophets, and portrayed it by the sacrifices and other ceremonies of the law. and finally, He fulfilled it though His own dear Son.
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Matthew 12:30 (Jesus speaking) "He who is not with Me is against Me and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad."
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That's why there's shuddering terror and deep distress for him at this moment. In the crucible of human weakness he's brought face to face with the abhorarnt reality of bearing our iniquity and becoming the object of God's full and furious wrath.
C.J. Mahaney in Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross
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For the persecuted family, pray that they will forgive and love their persecutors.
A. God's justice demands that human nature, which has sinned, must pay for its sin; but a sinner could never pay for others.
17.Q. Why must He also be true God?
A. So that by the power of His divinity, He might bear the weight fo God's anger in His humanity and earn for us and restore to us righteousness and life.
18.Q. And who is the mediator--true God and at the same time truly human and truly righteous?
A. Our Lord Jesus Christ, who was given to us to set us completely free and to make us right with God.
19. Q. How do you come to know this?
A. the holy gospel tells me. God Himself began to reveal the gospel already in Paradise; later, He proclaimed it by the hold patriarchs and prophets, and portrayed it by the sacrifices and other ceremonies of the law. and finally, He fulfilled it though His own dear Son.
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Matthew 12:30 (Jesus speaking) "He who is not with Me is against Me and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad."
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That's why there's shuddering terror and deep distress for him at this moment. In the crucible of human weakness he's brought face to face with the abhorarnt reality of bearing our iniquity and becoming the object of God's full and furious wrath.
C.J. Mahaney in Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross
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For the persecuted family, pray that they will forgive and love their persecutors.
Monday, February 23, 2015
Day 5--Sin is Serious
12, Q. According to God's righteous judgment we deserve punishment both in this world and for ever after: How then can we escape punishment and return to God's favor?
A. God requires that His justice be satisfied. Therefore the claims of His justice must be paid in full, either by ourselves or another.
13.Q. Can we pay this debt ourselves?
A. Certainly not. Actually, we increase our guilt every day.
14.Q. Can no other creature--any at all--pay this debt for us?
A. No. To begin with, God will not punish another creature for what a human is guilty of. Besides, no mere creature can bear the weight of Gods' eternal anger against sin and release us frrm it.
15.Q. What kind of mediator and deliver should we look for then?
A. One who is truly human and truly righteous, yet more powerful than all creatures, that is, one who is also true God.
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We find there is universal warfare in the soul of man...Every affection deals with its own willfulness, sensuality and aversion of God. Thus our knowledge is imperfect, our obedience is weak , our love is mixed in its virtues, our fear of the Lod is not pure, and our delight in God is not free and noble.
John Owen--Sin and Temptation
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Matthew 9:13 (Jesus speaking) "For I did not come to all the righteous, but the sinners to repentance"
Matthew 10:28 (Jesus speaking) "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."
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For our persecuted family: Pray for their boldness to make Christ known.
A. God requires that His justice be satisfied. Therefore the claims of His justice must be paid in full, either by ourselves or another.
13.Q. Can we pay this debt ourselves?
A. Certainly not. Actually, we increase our guilt every day.
14.Q. Can no other creature--any at all--pay this debt for us?
A. No. To begin with, God will not punish another creature for what a human is guilty of. Besides, no mere creature can bear the weight of Gods' eternal anger against sin and release us frrm it.
15.Q. What kind of mediator and deliver should we look for then?
A. One who is truly human and truly righteous, yet more powerful than all creatures, that is, one who is also true God.
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We find there is universal warfare in the soul of man...Every affection deals with its own willfulness, sensuality and aversion of God. Thus our knowledge is imperfect, our obedience is weak , our love is mixed in its virtues, our fear of the Lod is not pure, and our delight in God is not free and noble.
John Owen--Sin and Temptation
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Matthew 9:13 (Jesus speaking) "For I did not come to all the righteous, but the sinners to repentance"
Matthew 10:28 (Jesus speaking) "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."
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For our persecuted family: Pray for their boldness to make Christ known.
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Sunday is not Lent?
So, I'm not exactly sure how this works. Lent is the 40 days before Easter, not counting the Sundays. Does that mean that if you are fasting for Lent, you don't have to fast on Sundays? I'm not at all clear on this. But it's works for me since I am least likely to get caught up with my time wasters on Sunday. With church and lunch out and family and friends (and the Sunday afternoon nap) I am less tempted by the time wasters. So, this works out well.
I think I have found a good rhythm for my Lenten endeavor.
In the morning I read two chapters of the gospels, I read one section of The Good News We Almost Forgot by Kevin DeYoung which is about the Heidelberg Catechism, and three or four pages out of Sin and Temptation by John Owen. Then I look for a theme that may present itself in these 3 readings. I also look at the VOM list of prayers for the persecuted church and pray about this topic thru the day.
In the evening I read Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross, edited by Nancy Guthrie and write in my Thankful Journal.
I also get some emails from Biblegateway with some readings with Easter/Lent themes. These I read sporadically--especially if I find myself at the computer--wanting to check on facebook, etc.
So far my fast from time wasters has been very good. I am much more aware of how I spend the day without the many interruptions or "breaks" that I would take. I have taken a walk almost every day of Lent and started some deep cleaning that needed to be done. This is very exciting to me! It's been less than a week and I can already see change. That is encouraging!
Also, my eyes have been opened to specific sin in my life. If you are reading a book entitled Sin and Temptation that is bound to happen I suppose! And I think it is the perfect read for Lent. Afterall, Lent is a time to prepare us for Good Friday and Easter. Why did Jesus come to earth? Why did He die? For my sin. For MY sin. For MY SPECIFIC sin that is being brought to my attention right now. And as excited as I am for the progress I see by getting rid of time wasters, I'm about that intimidated about seeing the sin in my life. Like I said, it's been less than a week! My eyes are being open, and when your eyes are open to sin, it's not a pretty sight. I have a feeling my eyes will be opened even more.
Still, as intimidating as it is, I know it is good. It is good to be humbled and see my sin and know that JESUS paid it all for that sin. In seeing myself, the sinner that I am, I can more deeply appreciate Good Friday and Easter and the Truth that God so loved the world that HE gave His only begotten Son for me, a sinner.
If you are endeavoring to keep Lent, I hope its goes well. I hope you don't give up if you slip or miss or forget. More than once I have found myself falling asleep and remember that I didn't write in my Thankful Journal. It's okay. I do it in the morning. I hope you can give yourself some grace too instead of giving up totally.
May your Endeavor to ponder the cross, the Savior, the sacrifice, the sin, the death, the resurrection, the Passover, the Last Supper, and all that is part of the Lenten season cause your heart to swell with joy and appreciation for all the love God has for you!
I think I have found a good rhythm for my Lenten endeavor.
In the morning I read two chapters of the gospels, I read one section of The Good News We Almost Forgot by Kevin DeYoung which is about the Heidelberg Catechism, and three or four pages out of Sin and Temptation by John Owen. Then I look for a theme that may present itself in these 3 readings. I also look at the VOM list of prayers for the persecuted church and pray about this topic thru the day.
In the evening I read Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross, edited by Nancy Guthrie and write in my Thankful Journal.
I also get some emails from Biblegateway with some readings with Easter/Lent themes. These I read sporadically--especially if I find myself at the computer--wanting to check on facebook, etc.
So far my fast from time wasters has been very good. I am much more aware of how I spend the day without the many interruptions or "breaks" that I would take. I have taken a walk almost every day of Lent and started some deep cleaning that needed to be done. This is very exciting to me! It's been less than a week and I can already see change. That is encouraging!
Also, my eyes have been opened to specific sin in my life. If you are reading a book entitled Sin and Temptation that is bound to happen I suppose! And I think it is the perfect read for Lent. Afterall, Lent is a time to prepare us for Good Friday and Easter. Why did Jesus come to earth? Why did He die? For my sin. For MY sin. For MY SPECIFIC sin that is being brought to my attention right now. And as excited as I am for the progress I see by getting rid of time wasters, I'm about that intimidated about seeing the sin in my life. Like I said, it's been less than a week! My eyes are being open, and when your eyes are open to sin, it's not a pretty sight. I have a feeling my eyes will be opened even more.
Still, as intimidating as it is, I know it is good. It is good to be humbled and see my sin and know that JESUS paid it all for that sin. In seeing myself, the sinner that I am, I can more deeply appreciate Good Friday and Easter and the Truth that God so loved the world that HE gave His only begotten Son for me, a sinner.
If you are endeavoring to keep Lent, I hope its goes well. I hope you don't give up if you slip or miss or forget. More than once I have found myself falling asleep and remember that I didn't write in my Thankful Journal. It's okay. I do it in the morning. I hope you can give yourself some grace too instead of giving up totally.
May your Endeavor to ponder the cross, the Savior, the sacrifice, the sin, the death, the resurrection, the Passover, the Last Supper, and all that is part of the Lenten season cause your heart to swell with joy and appreciation for all the love God has for you!
Saturday, February 21, 2015
#4 Sin is very sinful
9.Q. But doesn't God do us an injustice by requiring in His law what we are unable to do?
A. No, God created humans with the ability to keep the law. They, however, tempted by the devil, in reckless disobedience, robbed themselves and all their descendants of these gifts.
10.Q Will God permit such disobedience and rebellion to go unpunished?
A. Certainly not. He is terribly angry about the sin we are born with as well as the sin we personally commit. As a just judge He punishes them now and in eternity. He has declared: "Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law."
11. Q. But isn't God also merciful?
A. God is certainly merciful, but He is also just. His justice demands that sin, committed against His supreme majesty, be punished with the supreme penalty--eternal punishment of the body and soul.
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"Sin fights the spiritual principle that is in us. It fights to destroy our soul. Although it opposes the work of grace in us, its nature and purpose about all is to oppose God."
John Owen--Sin and Temptation
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Matthew 7:21-- "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven." (Jesus speaking)
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But divine love without divine wrath is meaningless. When we minimize God's justice, we do not exalt His mercy, we undermine it.
Kevin DeYoung--The Good News We Almost Forgot
A. No, God created humans with the ability to keep the law. They, however, tempted by the devil, in reckless disobedience, robbed themselves and all their descendants of these gifts.
10.Q Will God permit such disobedience and rebellion to go unpunished?
A. Certainly not. He is terribly angry about the sin we are born with as well as the sin we personally commit. As a just judge He punishes them now and in eternity. He has declared: "Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law."
11. Q. But isn't God also merciful?
A. God is certainly merciful, but He is also just. His justice demands that sin, committed against His supreme majesty, be punished with the supreme penalty--eternal punishment of the body and soul.
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"Sin fights the spiritual principle that is in us. It fights to destroy our soul. Although it opposes the work of grace in us, its nature and purpose about all is to oppose God."
John Owen--Sin and Temptation
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Matthew 7:21-- "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven." (Jesus speaking)
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But divine love without divine wrath is meaningless. When we minimize God's justice, we do not exalt His mercy, we undermine it.
Kevin DeYoung--The Good News We Almost Forgot
Friday, February 20, 2015
Day 3--Humility is difficult
6. Q. Did God create people so wicked and perverse?
A. No. God created them good and in His own image, that is, in true righteousness and holiness so that they might truly know God their creator, love Him with all their heart, and live with Him in eternal happiness for His praise and glory.
7.Q. The where does this corrupt human nature come from?
A. From the fall and disobedience of our first patents, Adam and Eve, in Paradise. This fall has so poisoned our nature that we are born sinners--corrupt from conception on.
8.Q. But are we so corrupt that we are totally unable to any good and inclined toward all evil?
A. Yes, UNLESS we are born again, by the Spirit of God.
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"Temptations do not put anything into a man which is not already there."
"This then is the dwelling place of sin--the human heart. Here dwells our enemy. Within this fort the tyrant sin maintains its rebellion against God all our days"
John Owen--Sin and Temptation
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A. No. God created them good and in His own image, that is, in true righteousness and holiness so that they might truly know God their creator, love Him with all their heart, and live with Him in eternal happiness for His praise and glory.
7.Q. The where does this corrupt human nature come from?
A. From the fall and disobedience of our first patents, Adam and Eve, in Paradise. This fall has so poisoned our nature that we are born sinners--corrupt from conception on.
8.Q. But are we so corrupt that we are totally unable to any good and inclined toward all evil?
A. Yes, UNLESS we are born again, by the Spirit of God.
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"Temptations do not put anything into a man which is not already there."
"This then is the dwelling place of sin--the human heart. Here dwells our enemy. Within this fort the tyrant sin maintains its rebellion against God all our days"
John Owen--Sin and Temptation
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Matthew 5:3-10New King James Version (NKJV)
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
For they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
For they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
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Today’s Prayer
O Lord, who hast mercy upon all,
take away from me my sins,
and mercifully kindle in me
the fire of thy Holy Spirit.
Take away from me the heart of stone,
and give me a heart of flesh,
a heart to love and adore Thee,
a heart to delight in Thee,
to follow and enjoy Thee, for Christ's sake, Amen.
— Ambrose of Milan, 4th century bishop
take away from me my sins,
and mercifully kindle in me
the fire of thy Holy Spirit.
Take away from me the heart of stone,
and give me a heart of flesh,
a heart to love and adore Thee,
a heart to delight in Thee,
to follow and enjoy Thee, for Christ's sake, Amen.
— Ambrose of Milan, 4th century bishop
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Day 2--It's so easy to sin
3.Q. How do you come to know your misery?
A. The law of God tells me
4.Q. What does God's law require of us?
A. Christ teaches us this in summary in Matthew 22--Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all our mind and with all your strength. This is the first and greatest commadment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
5.Q. Can you live up to all this perfectly?
A. No. I have a natural tendency to hate God and my neighbor
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Concerning indwelling sin:
1. The law of sin always abides in the soul
2. It is always ready to apply itself
3. It applies itself to its work with the greatest facility and ease
John Owen, Sin and Temptation
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Matthew 3:1-2, 17 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, "Repent, the the kingdom of heaven is at hand!"
From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heave is at hand."
Repent.
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Encouragement to be people of the Cross, a reflection for Lent in consideration for the 21 Christian martyrs who were called, People of the Cross
http://www.aholyexperience.com/2015/02/the-call-for-the-next-40-days-to-the-nations-people-of-the-cross/
A. The law of God tells me
4.Q. What does God's law require of us?
A. Christ teaches us this in summary in Matthew 22--Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all our mind and with all your strength. This is the first and greatest commadment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
5.Q. Can you live up to all this perfectly?
A. No. I have a natural tendency to hate God and my neighbor
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Concerning indwelling sin:
1. The law of sin always abides in the soul
2. It is always ready to apply itself
3. It applies itself to its work with the greatest facility and ease
John Owen, Sin and Temptation
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Matthew 3:1-2, 17 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, "Repent, the the kingdom of heaven is at hand!"
From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heave is at hand."
Repent.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Encouragement to be people of the Cross, a reflection for Lent in consideration for the 21 Christian martyrs who were called, People of the Cross
http://www.aholyexperience.com/2015/02/the-call-for-the-next-40-days-to-the-nations-people-of-the-cross/
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Day 1--Guilt, Grace and Gratitude
From the Heidelberg Catechism
1.Q. What is your only comfort in life and in death?
A. That I am not my own, but belong--body and soul, in life and in death-- to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with His precious blood and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven: in fact, all things must work together for my salvation. Because I belong to Him, Christ, by His Holy Spirit, assured me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for Him
2.Q. What must you know to live and die in the joy of this comfort?
A. Three things: first, how great my sin and misery are; second, how I am set free from all my sins and misery; third, how I am to thank God for such deliverance.
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I went to the Ash Wednesday service which was very nice and very biblical. I did have a little panic moment when I drove up and realized I wasn't wearing a dress. We always wore dresses to church when I was little and the thought passed thru my mind. I looked around and everyone was wearing jeans so I was relieved and able to attend the service. There I learned my first Lent joke. Really. The priest told it at the service.
"So, a man goes into a pub in a small Irish town and orders three beers. He sits by himself and drinks his beers. He does this day after day and the town's people begin to talk and wonder. Finally, the pub owner asks him why he always orders and drinks three beers at a time. The man explains that he has two brothers, one in America and one in Australia. They promised each other that whenever they had a beer, they would always order three in honor of their brotherhood. The story of this man and his brothers and his beers spread all thru the town until he became almost a celebrity. One day, however, when he went into the pub, he only ordered two beers. He sat, as usual, by himself and drank this two beers. The news of the two beers spread thru town and everyone was sorrowful for the man. When the man came in again and ordered two beers, the pub owner approached him and said how sorry he was for the passing of one of his brothers and how the whole town was sorry too. The man looked at the pub owner and told him not to worry. Neither of his brothers had died,' I've just given up beer for Lent'."
I'm left the ashes on to go grocery shopping and no one said anything. I'm leaving them on the rest of the day but washing them off for Bible Study. I just can't imagine sitting across from me and not being distracted.
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"The doctrine of indwelling sin stands out as one of the fundamental truths of our Christian faith...Without it we fail to understand the mediative work of Christ, its effects, and all the benefits we enjoy from it."
From John Owen, Sin and Temptation
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Ash Wednesday is coming
Ash Wednesday...I have a vague memory of Ash Wednesday as a child. I have good memories of going to the Catholic church, the smell, the ritual, the beauty, the holy water. Even as a child the spirituality of it all, the mystery, appealed to me.
And now I'm deciding whether to go to an Ash Wednesday service. Below is a quick explanation of Ash Wednesday.
"Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent. Lent is a time when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline.
Ash Wednesday emphasizes two themes: our sinfulness before God and our human mortality. The service focuses on both themes, helping us to realize that both have been triumphed through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
During some Ash Wednesday services, the minister will lightly rub the sign of the cross with ashes onto the foreheads of worshipers. The use of ashes as a sign of mortality and repentance has a long history in Jewish and Christian worship. Historically, ashes signified purification and sorrow for sins.
It is traditional to save the palm branches from the previous Palm Sunday service to burn to produce ashes for this service. Sometimes a small card or piece of paper is distributed on which each person writes a sin or hurtful or unjust characteristic. The cards are then brought to the altar to be burned with the palm branches. The ash cross on the forehead is an outward sign of our sorrow and repentance for sins."
And now I'm deciding whether to go to an Ash Wednesday service. Below is a quick explanation of Ash Wednesday.
"Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent. Lent is a time when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline.
Ash Wednesday emphasizes two themes: our sinfulness before God and our human mortality. The service focuses on both themes, helping us to realize that both have been triumphed through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
During some Ash Wednesday services, the minister will lightly rub the sign of the cross with ashes onto the foreheads of worshipers. The use of ashes as a sign of mortality and repentance has a long history in Jewish and Christian worship. Historically, ashes signified purification and sorrow for sins.
It is traditional to save the palm branches from the previous Palm Sunday service to burn to produce ashes for this service. Sometimes a small card or piece of paper is distributed on which each person writes a sin or hurtful or unjust characteristic. The cards are then brought to the altar to be burned with the palm branches. The ash cross on the forehead is an outward sign of our sorrow and repentance for sins."
— Adapted from The United Methodist Book of Worship
I haven't been to a Catholic church in decades! Hmmmm...I think I'll go. I think it may be the perfect way to begin this Lenten Season. We'll see.
St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish
6:00 & 9:00 AM Mass with Distribution of Ashes
12:00 PM Liturgy of the Word with Distribution of Ashes
4:00 PM Liturgy of the Word with Distribution of Ashes for Youth
5:30 PM Liturgy of the Word with Distribution of Ashes
7:30 PM Liturgy of the Word with Distribution of Ashes
12:00 PM Liturgy of the Word with Distribution of Ashes
4:00 PM Liturgy of the Word with Distribution of Ashes for Youth
5:30 PM Liturgy of the Word with Distribution of Ashes
7:30 PM Liturgy of the Word with Distribution of Ashes
Monday, February 16, 2015
Fasting
Fasting is the part of Lent with which we are most familiar.
I am no expert on fasting so I went to the book, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by D.S. Whitney. Here is a VERY brief summary on his chapter about fasting.
Types of Fasts
Reasons to Fast
Whitney notes that fasting is voluntary and must be done for spiritual reasons otherwise it is just dieting. Also, he explains that the more modern idea of abstinence from things besides food is a legitimate form of fasting.
The Lenten fast is usually a partial fast to express grief, humility, repentance and to serve others.
And now, to the personal part...what am I fasting? Since I have been thinking about Lent for a couple of weeks, I've already decided. I'm fasting time wasters in my life. Most of these have to do with the computer--checking facebook all day, checking in on local and national news, spending too much time on "Ticket to Ride" on the ipad, watching TV that isn't part of family time. I don't want to give up computer time completely because I communicate with family with it. However, I do spend too much time finding out my hippie flower name, watching babies on Youtube and seeing how many of the top 100 books of all time I have read. I believe that cutting out these time wasters will make it possible for me to observe Lent in the serious manner that I desire.
I am no expert on fasting so I went to the book, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by D.S. Whitney. Here is a VERY brief summary on his chapter about fasting.
Types of Fasts
- Normal fast- no food, yes water
- Partial fast-limited food
- Absolute fast-no food, no water (no more than 3 days)
- Supernatural fast-no food, no water, more than three days
- Private fast-not being noticed by others
- Congregational fast-fasting with members of your church
- National Fast- fasting with and for your nation
Reasons to Fast
- To Strengthen Prayer
- To Seek God's Guidance
- To Express Grief
- To Seek Deliverance or Protection
- To Express Repentance and Return to God
- To Humble Oneself Before God
- To Express Concern for the Work of God
- To Minister to the Needs of Others
- To Overcome Temptation and Dedicate Oneself to God
- To Express Love and Worship to God
Whitney notes that fasting is voluntary and must be done for spiritual reasons otherwise it is just dieting. Also, he explains that the more modern idea of abstinence from things besides food is a legitimate form of fasting.
The Lenten fast is usually a partial fast to express grief, humility, repentance and to serve others.
And now, to the personal part...what am I fasting? Since I have been thinking about Lent for a couple of weeks, I've already decided. I'm fasting time wasters in my life. Most of these have to do with the computer--checking facebook all day, checking in on local and national news, spending too much time on "Ticket to Ride" on the ipad, watching TV that isn't part of family time. I don't want to give up computer time completely because I communicate with family with it. However, I do spend too much time finding out my hippie flower name, watching babies on Youtube and seeing how many of the top 100 books of all time I have read. I believe that cutting out these time wasters will make it possible for me to observe Lent in the serious manner that I desire.
Sunday, February 15, 2015
Thankful journal
Well, there is no official Lent salutation. I googled it.
Oh and the ashes for Ash Wednesday... I found out they are the ashes from burnt palms from Palm Sunday. Just fyi.
Another part of my Lent observance will be my Thankful journal. I have one and I once wrote in it faithfully. Some how it got closed, then moved from my desk, then buried under a stack. That can happen to thankfulness. It so easily gets forgotten, buried under the load of the everyday.
So, I dug out that journal and I'm going to start digging thankfulness out of my heart. (Did you know if you write down 3 things that you are thankful for each day of the year you will have over 1000 entries. 1000 gifts...does that sound familiar?) If we write down three thanksgivings each of the 40 days of Lent, we will have 120 entries. I think that is a good start.
I have a friend, Lisa, who posts on facebook, "Practicing Gratitude." I like this term. It does take practice to be grateful. It takes no practice to complain.
This is the web address of someone who lives her life looking for those Easter EGGs. If you haven't met Ann Voskamp via her books(One Thousand Gifts), journals, or website, I encourage you to do so. I think she will encourage you, too.
http://www.aholyexperience.com/
When the kids were little we had what we called Easter E.G.G. hunts. EGG stands for Evidence of God's Grace. Grab a fresh journal, an old notebook, a spiral binder form the kid's school supplies or, like me, a once active thankful journal that was dug up like a buried treasure, and let's go on an Easter EGG hunt together all thru the season of Lent.
Oh and the ashes for Ash Wednesday... I found out they are the ashes from burnt palms from Palm Sunday. Just fyi.
Another part of my Lent observance will be my Thankful journal. I have one and I once wrote in it faithfully. Some how it got closed, then moved from my desk, then buried under a stack. That can happen to thankfulness. It so easily gets forgotten, buried under the load of the everyday.
So, I dug out that journal and I'm going to start digging thankfulness out of my heart. (Did you know if you write down 3 things that you are thankful for each day of the year you will have over 1000 entries. 1000 gifts...does that sound familiar?) If we write down three thanksgivings each of the 40 days of Lent, we will have 120 entries. I think that is a good start.
I have a friend, Lisa, who posts on facebook, "Practicing Gratitude." I like this term. It does take practice to be grateful. It takes no practice to complain.
This is the web address of someone who lives her life looking for those Easter EGGs. If you haven't met Ann Voskamp via her books(One Thousand Gifts), journals, or website, I encourage you to do so. I think she will encourage you, too.
http://www.aholyexperience.com/
When the kids were little we had what we called Easter E.G.G. hunts. EGG stands for Evidence of God's Grace. Grab a fresh journal, an old notebook, a spiral binder form the kid's school supplies or, like me, a once active thankful journal that was dug up like a buried treasure, and let's go on an Easter EGG hunt together all thru the season of Lent.
Saturday, February 14, 2015
What Shall I Do For Lent?
Lent seems to be very similar to Advent. There are many traditions yet many observe it in their own way. So, what way am I, are you, going to observe Lent?
I've included some links on this blog that you may find helpful.
First, there is a sermon from my pastor, Steve Thompson. It's not about Lent, but it is about being passionate about spiritual things. This sermon is what tipped me from "maybe" to "go for it" concerning Lent.
Next, there are some links for Bible readings. Click on the link for more details. There are more than I have listed here. You can sign up for these and the readings will be mailed to your email address. Now that makes it easy!
There is also a link for Prayer Challenges. These are ways to pray for your pastor, your pastor's wife, your husband, your mom, your children and more. These are 30 day challenges so you will have some breathing room since Lent is 40 days. Hurray for breathing room!
I'm pretty sure I'm going to read the Bible reading plan specifically designed for Lent and Easter. I may also read the the Gospel reading plan. I just haven't seen them yet, so I don't know what I am in for. I'll keep you posted on how this works for me.
I have other suggestions as well, but I'll save those for my next post. These are other practices/disciplines/things that I want to add to my Lent observance.
For now, have a look at these links, pray about them and see what you think will benefit you most in your Lenten Endeavor.
See ya! (hmmmm...maybe there is a better Lent salutation than "see ya!")
I've included some links on this blog that you may find helpful.
First, there is a sermon from my pastor, Steve Thompson. It's not about Lent, but it is about being passionate about spiritual things. This sermon is what tipped me from "maybe" to "go for it" concerning Lent.
Next, there are some links for Bible readings. Click on the link for more details. There are more than I have listed here. You can sign up for these and the readings will be mailed to your email address. Now that makes it easy!
There is also a link for Prayer Challenges. These are ways to pray for your pastor, your pastor's wife, your husband, your mom, your children and more. These are 30 day challenges so you will have some breathing room since Lent is 40 days. Hurray for breathing room!
I'm pretty sure I'm going to read the Bible reading plan specifically designed for Lent and Easter. I may also read the the Gospel reading plan. I just haven't seen them yet, so I don't know what I am in for. I'll keep you posted on how this works for me.
I have other suggestions as well, but I'll save those for my next post. These are other practices/disciplines/things that I want to add to my Lent observance.
For now, have a look at these links, pray about them and see what you think will benefit you most in your Lenten Endeavor.
See ya! (hmmmm...maybe there is a better Lent salutation than "see ya!")
Friday, February 13, 2015
So...What about Lent?
Lent:noun
- (in the Christian religion) an annual season of fasting and penitence in preparation for Easter, beginning on Ash Wednesday and lasting 40 weekdays to Easter, observed by Roman Catholic, Anglican, and certain other churches.
I've been pondering Lent.
What is it's historical origin? Are there "rules" for
Lent? Who observes Lent? Should I observe Lent? How do I want to observe Lent?
This is a little of what I've learned thus far:
- The
traditional color for Lent is purple. Thus, this blog is purple.
- Lent
is 40 days long--but that does NOT include the Sundays (different churches
have different traditions.)
- Many
churches use candles, their lighting and extinguishing, symbolizing
aspects of Lent/Easter.
- Fasting,
either of food, vices or luxuries, is a traditional part of Lent.
- The
Stations of the Cross are often remembered during Lent and Holy Week.
- Lent
can also be a time of sacrificial serving of others.
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, which is Feb. 18th. Next
week. I'm going to observe Lent this year. Care to join me?
Or, just follow along? You are welcome! I'll be posting what
I am doing (or attempting to do) and maybe this will be a sort of outline for
you as well.
I love the season of Advent in preparation for Christmas. I am
hoping that observing Lent will help me to prepare my heart
for Resurrection Sunday and cause it to be more meaningful to me.
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