I was reading the other day a brief outline of the history of Israel during the years between the Old Testament and the New Testament. It was kinda weird reading about Julius Caesar and Mark Anthony and Alexander the Great and how they fit into this time frame.
I remember studying about these guys in history class or learning passages from Shakespeare in English class but for some reason I never really connected them as part of God's continuing story; as part of His preparation for the coming of His Son.
It made me realize once again how ALL of history is in God's hands; how MY life NOW is part of His continuing story. Often I think of the Bible as "then" and me as "now". Although I know God is still very active in the world and in my life personally, I sometimes have a disconnect with that reality. I guess when that happens it's because I am not spending enough time in prayer or in the Word.
God IS alive. His purposes are never thwarted by man - or anything else. Even if I don't do what He wants, if I make wrong or bad choices, He still works to make His purpose succeed. And He has already told us the end of the story...Jesus wins, His saints win, God rules and reigns forever and ever and ever!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Great White Throne Judgment
Last Sunday Perry preached snapshots from the book of Revelation. One thing he talked about briefly was what he called one of the most disturbing passages in Scripture...the Great White Throne Judgment as recorded in Revelation 20:11-15.
Tonight as I was coming home from Membership Class, I heard part of Skip Heitzig's message on this same passage. He called it one of the most frightening things in Scripture. As Skip talked about it, he likened the throne room to a court room with a prosecutor and judge but no defense, no jury, no debate of guilt or innocence, no parole, no time off for good behavior. Just open the books!
No name written in the Book of Life? Then judgment is based on your works, your thoughts, your motives, your actions but no one can stand before a holy God on his own merit. Without Jesus we are all doomed.
Then he said perhaps the reason Christ followers are not there is so friends and family who are condemned will not look at us and ask, "Why didn't you tell me?" What a sobering thought that is!
Tonight as I was coming home from Membership Class, I heard part of Skip Heitzig's message on this same passage. He called it one of the most frightening things in Scripture. As Skip talked about it, he likened the throne room to a court room with a prosecutor and judge but no defense, no jury, no debate of guilt or innocence, no parole, no time off for good behavior. Just open the books!
No name written in the Book of Life? Then judgment is based on your works, your thoughts, your motives, your actions but no one can stand before a holy God on his own merit. Without Jesus we are all doomed.
Then he said perhaps the reason Christ followers are not there is so friends and family who are condemned will not look at us and ask, "Why didn't you tell me?" What a sobering thought that is!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Wii
I bought a Wii this week. I'd been saving my money for a while so I could get one for Christmas so the kids would have something to do here when the weather is bad during the winter. But I found out the price dropped a few weeks ago by $50 so I had enough money now to buy one.
To say Nathan and Bella had a good time playing is probably the understatement of the century. I was really surprised how well Bella could do. She KO'd Nate once in boxing and almost beat him in bowling...she did beat me in bowling. And she loves playing golf. Although her score has always been too high to win, she did get a birdie on one hole.
They played a gazillion times and mostly Nathan won but Bella was really able to hold her own. I think it was good use of $200 - especially since it was a planned expenditure.
To say Nathan and Bella had a good time playing is probably the understatement of the century. I was really surprised how well Bella could do. She KO'd Nate once in boxing and almost beat him in bowling...she did beat me in bowling. And she loves playing golf. Although her score has always been too high to win, she did get a birdie on one hole.
They played a gazillion times and mostly Nathan won but Bella was really able to hold her own. I think it was good use of $200 - especially since it was a planned expenditure.
Fall for Greenville
Went to Greenville today to enjoy some good food and music and crowds! I shared eating tables with 2 sets of couples at different times. One couple was from Union and one was from Charleston. The woman of the Charleston couple had never been to Greenville before although the guy is from Easley. She was really impressed with the charm of the city and the quality of the food at the event. She was glad that there were local, non chain restaurants with food to sample.
It was supposed to rain but turned out to be a beautiful day although rather warm and muggy. I spent some time down by the river where it was nice and shady and much cooler that up on the street. And I spent the last 30 minutes or so I was there sitting on a bench just watching the crowds. Sure was a huge variety of people - young and old, preppy and trashy, collegiate and biker.
If it's not raining I'll be going back again on Sunday with Jeremy and Holly and the children. Tomorrow is Bella's 5th birthday and they thought she might enjoy playing on all the kids stuff before she has her real party. Now what would be good to eat that I didn't try today...hmmm!
It was supposed to rain but turned out to be a beautiful day although rather warm and muggy. I spent some time down by the river where it was nice and shady and much cooler that up on the street. And I spent the last 30 minutes or so I was there sitting on a bench just watching the crowds. Sure was a huge variety of people - young and old, preppy and trashy, collegiate and biker.
If it's not raining I'll be going back again on Sunday with Jeremy and Holly and the children. Tomorrow is Bella's 5th birthday and they thought she might enjoy playing on all the kids stuff before she has her real party. Now what would be good to eat that I didn't try today...hmmm!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Life and Life
I've been thinking a lot about life and death recently. Two ladies in our office each have a family member that is approaching death. And then people ask questions about my parents and my brother who have all died. So it keeps it close to the surface and in my mind. On top of that Perry is preaching about How to Survive the End of the World.
As I have thought about all this over the last few weeks, I've decided that what I will experience is life and life, not life and death. I've always known that but I want to really make that the thought of my heart and my mind. I don't want to focus on the death of the body, the destruction of this earthly tent as Paul put it, but on the abundant life I have RIGHT NOW. And the absolutely wonderful (I can't even think of words to describe what eternity will be like) life forever in the presence of the Lord.
I don't want to leave this world early because I want to see my grandchildren grow up and my son accomplish dreams that he has and I have so much life to live. But at the same time the anticipation of Heaven, of seeing Jesus face to face, of being reunited with my family, of living forever and forever and forever with NO sorrow or sickness or envy or hatred or anger or tears or loneliness or fear or regrets or sin or ... The list goes on and on of how wonderful Heaven will be.
As long as I am on this earth and have the ability to talk and to read and to write and to share Jesus with others I need to keep doing that. All of that is preparing me to truly worship God in spirit and in truth!
As I have thought about all this over the last few weeks, I've decided that what I will experience is life and life, not life and death. I've always known that but I want to really make that the thought of my heart and my mind. I don't want to focus on the death of the body, the destruction of this earthly tent as Paul put it, but on the abundant life I have RIGHT NOW. And the absolutely wonderful (I can't even think of words to describe what eternity will be like) life forever in the presence of the Lord.
I don't want to leave this world early because I want to see my grandchildren grow up and my son accomplish dreams that he has and I have so much life to live. But at the same time the anticipation of Heaven, of seeing Jesus face to face, of being reunited with my family, of living forever and forever and forever with NO sorrow or sickness or envy or hatred or anger or tears or loneliness or fear or regrets or sin or ... The list goes on and on of how wonderful Heaven will be.
As long as I am on this earth and have the ability to talk and to read and to write and to share Jesus with others I need to keep doing that. All of that is preparing me to truly worship God in spirit and in truth!
Prophecy Fulfilled
I was reading about Phillip in the book of Acts the other day when he went running up to the chariot of the eunuch, heard him reading the Scripture, asked did he understand, then explained - beginning there - all about Jesus.
I remember on the road to Emmaus after Jesus was resurrected, He met some disciples and starting with Moses told them all about the Himself and how He must suffer and die and be resurrected.
As I've been reading through the Old Testament, I've read all those prophecies but how ready am I to tell that story with chapter and verse. Even though I may be able to say this is in Genesis or Isaiah or Zechariah, I don't think I am "up to snuff" when it comes to knowing where something actually is in Genesis or Isaiah or Zechariah.
Then I wonder is it because I don't think it is important to know that? Do I need to be a Biblical scholar to do that? Even if I don't memorize the verses or know the chapter in the book - or even the book itself - should I be able to tell the story from scripture to anyone who might ask, including the Old Testament prophecies and how they were fulfilled in Jesus Christ?
Remembering where they are will be the hard part. I read just the other day in Zechariah about the king coming riding on a donkey, on a colt the foal of a donkey, but WHERE was it?? Maybe I need to make notes as I read, not after. DUH!!
I remember on the road to Emmaus after Jesus was resurrected, He met some disciples and starting with Moses told them all about the Himself and how He must suffer and die and be resurrected.
As I've been reading through the Old Testament, I've read all those prophecies but how ready am I to tell that story with chapter and verse. Even though I may be able to say this is in Genesis or Isaiah or Zechariah, I don't think I am "up to snuff" when it comes to knowing where something actually is in Genesis or Isaiah or Zechariah.
Then I wonder is it because I don't think it is important to know that? Do I need to be a Biblical scholar to do that? Even if I don't memorize the verses or know the chapter in the book - or even the book itself - should I be able to tell the story from scripture to anyone who might ask, including the Old Testament prophecies and how they were fulfilled in Jesus Christ?
Remembering where they are will be the hard part. I read just the other day in Zechariah about the king coming riding on a donkey, on a colt the foal of a donkey, but WHERE was it?? Maybe I need to make notes as I read, not after. DUH!!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Judgment Seat of Christ
Perry preached a great message today in the series How to Survive the End of the World. I really appreciate the reminder to be a good steward of my time, my money and my gifting. I am so grateful that Jesus has already paid the price for my sins so I don't have to worry about standing at the Throne of Judgment.
But I will be held accountable for the the stewardship of all God has given to me. Some days I think I'm doing OK. Other days I know I am not. As Perry said I am not perfect and will make mistakes and sometimes stupid decisions, but I should be constantly growing in my relationship with Christ so that I am using my time, my money and my gifts to help grow the kingdom of God - to help reach those around me who don't know Jesus.
Can't wait to hear Perry preach through Revelation in one message!! Already looking foward to next week.
But I will be held accountable for the the stewardship of all God has given to me. Some days I think I'm doing OK. Other days I know I am not. As Perry said I am not perfect and will make mistakes and sometimes stupid decisions, but I should be constantly growing in my relationship with Christ so that I am using my time, my money and my gifts to help grow the kingdom of God - to help reach those around me who don't know Jesus.
Can't wait to hear Perry preach through Revelation in one message!! Already looking foward to next week.
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