The Fear of God and the Love of God

photo © 2006 Jimee, Jackie, Tom & Asha | more info (via: Wylio)   I posted this little quote on FaceBook from my favorite writer these days, Tullian Tchavidjian: What motivates our obedience determines whether or not it is a sacrifice of praise. Obedience to God’s commands prompted by fear or guilt is not true […]

relief

against the black mountain beneath the clouded skies above the leafless trees beyond the dull roar of the swollen gray river the white bird turns in relief I turn and wend my way homeward.

Temptation, Desire, Predestination, and Grace – OH MY!

photo © 2008 Cliff | more info (via: Wylio) “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to […]

Come now, and let us reason together

“”Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, “Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool.” Isaiah 1:18, NASB. The word says “Come.” There is a place where you have not come to, a place where God […]

Summing Up the Message

photo © 2006 romana klee | more info (via: Wylio)   I wanted to pause to reflect on the theology that is shaping up from all of this. 1. The essential nature of the fall, the inherent problem with every man that comes down from Adam, is that we desire the forbidden. http://thereforenow.com/?p=64 2. Restoration […]

The Sought

photo © 2005 Kevin Saff | more info (via: Wylio)   “Now all the tax-gatherers and the sinners were coming near Him to listen to Him. And both the Pharisees and the scribes began to grumble, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” And He told them this parable, saying, “What man among […]

The Scandal of Grace

Corrie Ten Boom was a Dutch Christian holocaust survivor, imprisoned for sheltering Jews. She and her sister Betsie were imprisoned at a death camp called Ravensbruck. Corrie Ten Boom survived the ordeal; Betsie did not. She tells the story that after one of her talks, a former Ravensbruck guard came up and introduced himself: “You […]

Jonah and God’s Detestable and Unavoidable Grace

photo © 1929 National Maritime Museum | more info (via: Wylio)   I’ve been reading a book by Tullian Tchividjian called “Surprised by Grace,” which uses the book of Jonah verse by verse to paint a picture of a godly man in desperate need of grace, who received it. You really should consider reading it, […]

Let the boy win!

photo © 2009 woodley wonderworks | more info (via: Wylio)   A certain young musician was gifted and enthusiastic. He came under the tutelage of a teacher who had a reputation as being very effective in guiding young musicans to great skill. The student came and the teacher pointed out many flaws in the student’s […]

Lavish Grace

photo © 2007 Jed Scattergood | more info (via: Wylio) “He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His […]