I just read today's entry from OfFirstImportance.org. It states the supremacy of Christ's righteousness and obedience above our own righteousness and obedience, calling us to put all my faith and being under the shed blood of Christ. So that I may be clothed by him, not by what I try to put on.
This past Sunday, I attended the Evening Service at Redeemer Church in New York City. It is always a treat to visit this church and experience the worship and the preaching. I was encouraged by the reading and preaching of Revelation 2:8-11. Abe Cho, that night's preacher, pressed hard the idea that Christ indeed knows all my weaknesses, sufferings, dreams, aspirations... my whole being, because we have a God who allowed himself to come into the world He created to share in all it is to be a human, but without sin. I couldn't help contemplating this truth how Christ has purchased our joy and gives us true satisfaction if I would only come to Christ. He knows everything I go through and knows what is best for me. And though I experience both good and bad, some how, some way, Christ died on that bloodied cross to purchase it all for all people, for me. So I can live life in peace and thanksgiving, whether good or bad, knowing that Jesus eternally says and comforts me when He says, 'I know'.
LORD, may all the joy, love, hate, bitterness, tiredness, hope, all that is in me be washed cleaned by your blood to bring me into correct attitude, posture, and living under my King Jesus. May all this be for Your glory and for the expansion of Your Gospel.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Asking a Hard Question...
Recently I have been encouraged by the writing and preaching of C.J. Mahaney. Listening to him and reading several of his books, I can't miss coming to the cross and finding my only hope and joy there on that day when the Son of God shed his blood for me. The Gospel is never far from his teaching, which has helped me see my life and my struggles in new ways.
A couple days ago, I read an article from 9Marks, titled The Gospel & Deliberate Complementarian Pastors. The article helped me understand that believing in the right faith also meant applying the the right actions, particular in the role of man and women, a husband and wife. The challenge Mahaney poses to the husband is to apply humility in his life by doing something very simple, but also very hard, asking his wife, 'Where do I need to grow in serving and leading you?'
The other day, while I was driving through the city with my wife, I asked her the question above. It was not as bad as expected. She shared her concerns about the way I use my time. She desired that I would evaluate and manage my time with regard to ministry, family, and fellowship.
Since then I have realized how difficult it is to encounter this issue in life. I have been praying that the Lord would 'teach me to number my days' (Psalm 90) and in doing so show me His priorities in my life. I have slowed down in blogging to devote more time with the Lord to evaluate my life. Lord willing, He will reveal other things too.
Lord, I am but dust compared to your greatness, but you have showed mercy and love to your creation and have called me your own through the shed blood of Christ. Please give me true wisdom and true knowledge that will direct me more and more deeply into Your Gospel.
A couple days ago, I read an article from 9Marks, titled The Gospel & Deliberate Complementarian Pastors. The article helped me understand that believing in the right faith also meant applying the the right actions, particular in the role of man and women, a husband and wife. The challenge Mahaney poses to the husband is to apply humility in his life by doing something very simple, but also very hard, asking his wife, 'Where do I need to grow in serving and leading you?'
The other day, while I was driving through the city with my wife, I asked her the question above. It was not as bad as expected. She shared her concerns about the way I use my time. She desired that I would evaluate and manage my time with regard to ministry, family, and fellowship.
Since then I have realized how difficult it is to encounter this issue in life. I have been praying that the Lord would 'teach me to number my days' (Psalm 90) and in doing so show me His priorities in my life. I have slowed down in blogging to devote more time with the Lord to evaluate my life. Lord willing, He will reveal other things too.
Lord, I am but dust compared to your greatness, but you have showed mercy and love to your creation and have called me your own through the shed blood of Christ. Please give me true wisdom and true knowledge that will direct me more and more deeply into Your Gospel.
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