A Message from Samuel

2009 Continuing Series ~ Transference
Based on John 3:30: "Jesus must increase, I must decrease"

"Do not be afraid," Samuel replied. "You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart."

[1 Sm 12:20]

Samuel addressed the Israelites a final time and reminded them of their trespasses against God. He reminded them that God had delivered them from bondage in Egypt "but they forgot their God" (1 Sm 12:9).

They were given over to their Philistine enemies and the Lord delivered them safely ~ again. They had forsaken Him as their King and demanded a man to rule over them.

Samuel warned them to obey or God's hand would be against them. Samuel called upon God and God displayed His power "so all the people stood in awe."

These are words that invoke fear and dread and reverence. The people were convicted of their sins and asked Samuel to beg for God's mercy. He replied:

"Do not be afraid," Samuel replied.

"You have done all this evil;

yet do not turn away from the LORD,

but serve the LORD with all your heart.

Do not turn away after useless idols.

They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you,

because they are useless.

For the sake of his great name

the LORD will not reject his people,

because the LORD was pleased to make you his own.

As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD

by failing to pray for you.

And I will teach you the way that is good and right.

But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully

with all your heart;

consider what great things he has done for you.

Yet if you persist in doing evil,

both you and your king will be swept away."

[1 Sm 12:20-25]

Even though they had practiced considerable evil, he told them not to fear. To turn back.

When guilt ridden and fearful we often feel we must turn away. God tells us otherwise.

"Do not turn away."

Especially to worthless, useless idols.

"They can do you no good."

He then reassured them that God had not rejected them. What encouragement! What long-suffering! What grace!

God required one thing - whole-hearted devotion. A heart-shift from idol to exclusive Jehovah God worship.

Do not be afraid. Do not turn away. Transfer your devotion from the idols of this world to the one God who saves. Break the old habit to fall back and turn away in shame or fear and pray for persistence.

God of all patience and long-suffering; Thank You for your kind words of encouragement. Empower us to be faithful and consistent in our commitment to walk with You. In Christ, Amen.

But be sure to fear the LORD

and serve him faithfully

with all your heart;

consider what great things

he has done for you.

[1 Sm 12:24]

A Father's Sacrifice

Now the LORD was gracious to Sarah as he had said,
and the LORD did for Sarah what he had promised.
[Gn 21:1]

God was faithful to His promise to provide Sarah and Abraham with a son but God was far from done. We then read of Abraham's testing in Genesis 22. And we see the love and mercy of the God of Abraham and Isaac. We witness God's willingness to provide a propitiatory sacrifice.

"Some time later God tested Abraham.
He said to him, "Abraham!"
"Here I am," he replied.
Then God said,
"Take your son,
your only son, Isaac,
whom you love,
and go to the region of Moriah.
Sacrifice him there
as a burnt offering
on one of the mountains
I will tell you about."
[Gn 22:1-2]

Isaac - a firstborn son, dearly loved, chosen by God as a sacrifice. Through Isaac Abraham needed faith to believe God's promise. (Gn 17:19,21; 21:12)

Through Jesus we need faith to believe God's promise.

A faith reckoned as righteousness.

Abraham answered, "

God himself will provide the lamb

for the burnt offering, my son."

And the two of them went on together.

[Gen 22:8]

The LORD will provide. And the LORD did. He provided for Abraham and He has provided for us.

"On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided."

[Gen 22:14b]

You provided the sacrifice in Isacc's place and on the Mount of Calvary in ours. You provided the perfect sacrifice for the entire world for all time. You are Jehoveh-Jireh, the God that Provides. The LORD is our Righteousness and we praise You, merciful and faithful Father. We give thanks for Your provision in Christ. Amen.

Another Season-Within-A-Season of Advent

As much as I love Christmas (and preparing and posting the Advent blogs), I love Easter even more. So, why not use this time of Lent, observed by millions of Christians for generations, as an opportunity to draw nearer Christ?

We have an Advent for Christmas, as we await the celebration of the blessed birth of Jesus; why not an Advent for Easter, as we await the celebration of His miraculous resurrection? I can't say I've ever heard of it, but why not?

Personally, I've chosen to use this season observed as Lent not out of religiosity or church tradition but purely for Christ. Call it a pilgrimage toward Easter to stir and ready the soul ,to celebrate ultimate victory over sin and death. To consider the cost of our redemption and appreciate what Christ accomplished on the cross.

If you choose to journey along here I urge you to spend time with Him daily and spend time daily in reading the Bible. Be assured ~ God will bless us with spiritual renewal.

When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the Prince of Glory died;
my richest gain I count but loss,
and pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
save in the death of Christ, my God;
all the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to his blood.

See, from his head, his hands, his feet,
sorrow and love flow mingled down.
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
or thorns compose so rich a crown.

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were an offering far too small;
love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

Isaac Watts, 1674-1748

May we think on the miraculous Resurrection of Jesus. Marvel at the wonder of Easter. Ponder the divine power exhibited in the incredible feat. Realize the stone-sealed tomb nor death itself could not contain Him. Realize that in times of burden and temptation the same divine resurrection power is at work in those who believe [Eph 1:19-20].

He lives! He lives to give us the power to overcome, to build His church, to love, to serve one another, and to stand firm in the faith.

May we bless Him this season with time daily before Him and to reflect upon these truths.

Dear Lord Jesus; We are truly amazed by You and the miraculous things You accomplished in Your life, death, and resurrection ~ and still. We accept these things on faith and ask that You make them alive in our hearts as we celebrate You during this season of Easter Advent. Amen.

Tessarakoste

A bit puzzled by the title?

Think it's a type-o?

Tessarakonta is Greek for forty. The title refers to the 40th day before Easter.

That's today.

Much of Christianity through the centuries has referred to it as Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. I haven't celebrated (or practiced) it for years but for several reasons I do think there is much benefit in it.

Any time, day, or occasion that is a period of reflection on our Lord Jesus Christ is worthwhile.

Ash Wednesday is intended to be a day for meditation upon penitence and mortality. A day to mourn over our sins against God and make penance. In some church traditions they read Penitential Psalms (like Psalm 51) and mark their foreheads with a cross of ash. It begins a 40 day period of liturgy, prayer, and fasting leading up to Easter.

For myself personally I have chosen to consider this a day of repentance (shouldn't they all be?. A day to ask myself hard questions and, more importantly, to ask God to search me, try me, and show me. "What does my Lord call me to turn from?" is prime for probing.

I haven't bore an ashen cross on my forehead in years but the practice of being repentant has, thankfully, been impressed upon my heart. I dedicate this as a season to turn from those things that hinder my walk with my Lord and turn to the God that awaits, welcomes, and graciously forgives.


Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your unfailing love; according to Your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. Against You, You only, have I sinned. How many wrongs and sins have I committed? Show me my offense and my sin. Show me Your ways, O LORD, teach me Your paths. Test me, O LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; bring about true confession and repentance. In Jesus Holy Name, Amen.

How Much More God

I was deeply moved when my children thanked me for giving them a Gift Certificate for a week at camp this coming summer. And just yesterday when I was folding laundry they said; "Thanks, Mom." Sweeter words never spoken.

How much more God?

How much more does He appreciate it when I say; "Thank You?" How much greater things has He done for me?

If I appreciate them saying "thank you" for a week at camp, how much more God for eternity in heaven? If I am moved by an audible expression of gratitude, how much more is God pleased when I utter thankfulness for saving my soul?

He has done far greater things than I ever could attempt, isn't He worthy of far greater thanks?

On more than one occasion I've told my kids that giving and doing for those you love is so much less laborious if you know it's appreciated. That their thankfulness makes anything I do worth it. Wouldn't God feel likewise? Wouldn't it bring Him even greater joy in the blessing just knowing we even cared enough to recognize and acknowledge Him as the Giver and Doer?


Forgive me, Father, for not giving You the thanks You rightly deserve. With each breath I take I owe You thanks. Help me to breath it in and out each and every day. For all You do, for all You are, for all You generously give, THANK YOU.

Vice to Virtue

2009 Continuing Series ~ Transference
Based on John 3:30: "Jesus must increase, I must decrease"

For the grace of God that brings salvation

has appeared to all men.

It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions,

and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives

in this present age,
[Tit 2:11-12]

The grace of God that brings us salvation also teaches us to say "No!" A grace that also allows us to put off sinful attitudes and practices. A grace that allows us to put on the virtues of Christ. A grace that we may turn from strongholds that produce destruction to pursue a holiness that bears the Fruit of the Spirit.

Who can grasp all that is grace? Who can comprehend it? Not I!

By it I am saved. By it I live. By it I am changed.

"No!" to ungodliness. "No!" to worldliness. Jerry Bridges has written this of ungodliness; "in its broadest form basically comprises disregarding God, ignoring Him, or not taking Him into account in one's life. Its a lack of fear and reverence for Him......But now that we have been delivered from the dominion of sin and brought under the reign of grace, grace teaches us to renounce this attitude (as well as actions) of ungodliness."

Read further in this passage Paul wrote to Titus to uncover another great truth:

who gave himself for us

to redeem us from all wickedness

and to purify for himself a people that are his very own,

eager to do what is good.

[Tit 2:14]

He redeemed us from the punishment of death for our sins but also from wickedness and to purify us that we may be His. That we will be eager to do what is good -- verses evil.

I eagerly want what God wants - what Paul strived for - what Christ died for - to be holy and to do good. I am in dire need of God's grace to live in this present age and renounce all that daily assaults us "while we wait for the blessed hope - the glorious appearing our our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ." [Tit 2:13]

To walk with Him and for Him to increase, sin must be vanquished. To claim to abide in Him is to live as He did. It is to deny those vices and allow the power of His Spirit to deliver us from their hold. Then to live by the grace that produces His character and His fruit.

"the one who says he abides in Him

ought himself to walk in the same manner

as He walked."

[1 Jn 2:6 NASB]

I am willing to be transferred from vice to virtue ~ by God's grace. And this transference = transformation; for where there is Jesus, there is change.

Perfect Lord Jesus; I don't want to just know about you and be puffed up with knowledge that is not profitable but leads to boastful pride, I want to be like You. I want to exhibit godly character. By God's grace I say "No" to worldliness and ask to put on Your nature. Demolish every vice and place in its stead virtue.

A String of Hosannas

Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;

his greatness no one can fathom.

The LORD is gracious and compassionate,

slow to anger and rich in love.

The LORD is good to all;

he has compassion on all he has made.

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,

and your dominion endures through all generations.

The LORD is faithful to all his promises

and loving toward all he has made.

The LORD upholds all those who fall

and lifts up all who are bowed down.

The eyes of all look to you,

and you give them their food at the proper time.

You open your hand

and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

The LORD is righteous in all his ways

and loving toward all he has made.

The LORD is near to all who call on him,

to all who call on him in truth.

He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;

he hears their cry and saves them.

The LORD watches over all who love him,

but all the wicked he will destroy.

My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD.

Let every creature praise his holy name

for ever and ever.

[Ps 145:3, 8-9, 13-21]

A Weekly Posting of Praise from Scripture

Transference of Faith

2009 Continuing Series ~ Transference
Based on John 3:30: "Jesus must increase, I must decrease"

“The life I live in the body,

I live by faith in the Son of God,

who loved me and gave himself for me.”

[Gal 2:20b]

Faith.

Faith in God.

Faith in the Son of God.

Faith in the Holy Spirit.

Faith in the Holy Word of God.

Faith in The One who gave Himself for me IN LOVE.

How often do you find yourself remembering that? Thinking on that? Meditating upon that?

Less often, I must confess, in times of ease. So easily life can shift gears and catch us off guard. A sudden unsettling, unforeseen situation impedes without advance warning, blaring signals, or polite announcement (hence the term “unforeseen”).

Are you equipped? Equipped with the Word of God? In the mind and at the ready for quick use? A heart-holster loaded with God’s heavenly encouragement for emergency use? Armed and ready to stand?

“If you do not stand firm in your faith,

you will not stand at all." [Is 7:9b]

It is a necessary and essential spiritual discipline to prepare ourselves so that we move from an emotional roller coaster of doubt to confidence in the Faith ~ transference from worldly insecurities to the assurance we have in Christ Jesus, the Victor of our faith.

“I do not want merely to possess faith;
I want a faith that possesses me.”

Charles Kingsley

Faithful Lord Jesus; I praise You and give you thanks for You are our hope, our assurance, our peace, our security. You are the Rock upon which we stand. May the faith that begins with You; grow, in You; be perfected, in You. May obedience and action flow from my faith until it becomes sight.

Attention Diverted

2009 Continuing Series ~ Transference
Based on John 3:30: "Jesus must increase, I must decrease"

“In the same way,

let your light shine before men,

that they may see your good deeds

and praise your Father in heaven.”

[Mt 5:16]

Reflecting back on my younger days, I remember myself acting loud and silly – starved for attention. Any attention.

God has satisfied that longing and filled that void. He has matured me to the point where I think I would be content to be like Violet, the Invisible Girl from The Incredibles.

But quite seriously, on this spiritual growth tract of transference (that’s my own little word assignment I’ve tagged to simply express this personal study for Jesus becoming greater and I less) from self to Christ I know another key element is diverting attention from me to Jesus. That He will be seen. That He will shine. That He is reflected. That He is glorified.

I wholeheartedly echo the belief of Sir Cliff Richard;

“What other people think of me is becoming less and less important; what they think of Jesus because of me is critical.”

What have I to offer save Him? What do others need most? To see Him! Isn’t He what they’re looking for (even though most don’t realize it or won’t admit it)?

Real love for others is not to deny them a glimpse of Christ. I keep coming back to the famous quote and book title that has been reverberating in my head since Christmas; “It’s not about me.” The sole purpose of my words, actions, and deeds must be that others see Him. That I honor His Name and reflect His glory [2 cor 3:18].

He creates the desire to serve in a specific area, He provides the gifts, the abilities, and the grace to accomplish each task, each service, each ministry. Isn’t it for Him? Isn’t it about Him? The attention, the credit, the compliment (if any are due) belong to Him and Him alone.

And the grace to endure difficulties is not to show I am strong but that He is sufficient. What stood out to the onlookers about the three men in Nebuchadnezzar’s fiery furnace? The Lord!

We all know that vanity is neither healthy or pleasing to the Lord. William Secker has said; “Vain thoughts defile the heart as well as vile thoughts.”

Look at Scripture in this matter. The heavens exist to declare God’s glory [Ps 19:1]; I was created to reflect God’s glory [Is 43:7; 1 Cor 6:19-20]; Jesus brought God glory [Jn 17:4]; creation shows us God’s glory [Rm 1:20]. Romans tells us what happens to those that did not glorify God nor give Him thanks; “their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened” [Rm 1:21]

When I turn my head to the sky, instead of the colors may I see God’s artistry; when I see the trees swaying, may I see it as the Holy Spirit; when I see kindness given by a sister-in-Christ, may I see His heart; when I hear godly advice, may I hear His wisdom; when I see a sunrise or a child's smile, may I recognize His glory. And when someone sees me do something in the name of the Lord, may they see Him.

That's transference of attention.

All Glorious God; May everything I do bring You honor, glory and praise and may I direct attention to Your Son, that He may be seen in all I say and do. In Christ Magnificent Name, Amen.

"But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light,

so that it may be seen plainly

that what he has done

has been done through God."

[Jn 3:21]

Praise~Bites

Like sound bites, video bites, or computer bites, Praise~Bites are snipets of praise from Scripture offered from the heart for Sunday worship. Join me in reading Psalm 117:

Praise the LORD, all you nations;

extol him, all you peoples.

For great is his love toward us,

and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.

Praise the LORD.

Out of the Darkness

Out of the dark forbidding soil

The pure white lilies grow.

Out of the black and murky clouds,

Descends the stainless snow.

Out of the crawling earth-bound worm

A butterfly is born.

Out of the somber shrouded night,

Behold! A golden morn!

Out of the pain and stress of life,

The peace of God pours down.

Out of the nails, the spear, the cross,

Redemption, and a crown!

~Author Unknown

Focus of the Heart

2009 Continuing Series ~ Transference
Based on John 3:30: "Jesus must increase, I must decrease"

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
[Heb 12:2]

When Jesus set his gaze upon the cross He refused to see what the world saw – punishment and shame. He saw God’s love, God’s judgment of sin, our salvation. When we fix our eyes on Jesus we see Him more clearly and begin to see things as He does.

A heart for Him desires a shift of focus from the blur of the world to the beauty of Christ ~ transference.

For the grace of God that brings salvation

has appeared to all men.

[Tit 2:11]

The grace of God has appeared ~ shall we glance or zoom? Shall we gaze upon the Savior or have our focus diverted to the myriad of things that vie for our attention, our hearts?

Engrossment with the world is easily accomplished. At a moments notice we can become consumed with worldly distractions. Stress, fear, worry - they're not of God. It is in that moment that we intentionally draw our eyes heavenward and set our hearts and minds before God to be filled with Him. Complete submersion in Jesus takes discipline. But to be so focused on Him is to be away from the noise of our surroundings. I choose to transfer my focus toward Him ~ into the quietness and confidence of resting before Him. Listening to His voice of truth and grace.

In one of his sermons, Dr. David C. Cooper said; “You will always go to the thing you look at.” I want to look at Him. That He might come more fully into view, that He might increase.

I sense the strong desire in the psalmists words of Psalm 27:4 & 119:37 and make it my prayer for a transference of focus:

One thing I ask of [You] LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.

Turn my eyes away from worthless things;

preserve my life according to your word.

Kingdom Swap

2009 Continuing Series ~ Transference
Based on John 3:30: "Jesus must increase, I must decrease"



What kingdom address will I choose to reside in? Am I willing to transfer my citizenship ~ trade American democracy for a Heavenly monarchy? Move from the secular to the sacred?

"Therefore let all Israel be assured of this:

God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified,

both Lord and Christ."

[Ac 2:36]

I'm referring to the kingdom that Jesus brought near. A kingdom where He reigns, ordained by God, as Eternal King. It is a kingdom for each of us to reach out and receive. A kingdom the Holy Spirit brings to life in each baptized believer. A kingdom of His Church ~ living out the Gospel message. His is a kingdom where the mission is servant-based and soul-oriented. Where the law of the land is the teachings of the Christ.

We must choose whom we will serve [Jos 24:15]. Forsaking one for the other -- for we cannot be allied with both the kingdom of God and the world [Jms 4:4].

I choose the transference of being a world-ally to allegiance with God.

Becoming naturalized in the spiritual realm will require whole-hearted obedience.

Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites." [Ex 19:5-6]

God marched His people across the Jordan river bed and into a Promised Land - removing them from one kingdom and delivering them into His. Christ has parted the waters that we may cross from earth's soil onto Zion's; winning renown for His Name and building a kingdom of priests, He leads the way. He is the Way ~ the Gate to His Kingdom. Will you enter? Will you stay?

Preeminent and Majestic King, Ruler of All Nations; May Your kingdom come. Thank You for transferring my citizenship to heaven. Lead the way on a path of righteousness to life everlasting. Here and now and forevermore may my heart reside wholly with You. Amen.

A String of Hosannas

Praise the LORD, O my soul;

all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

Praise the LORD, O my soul,

and forget not all his benefits-

who forgives all your sins

and heals all your diseases,

who redeems your life from the pit

and crowns you with love and compassion,

who satisfies your desires with good things

so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. [Ps 103:1-5]

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.

Praise the LORD. [Ps 150:6]

For the LORD your God is God of gods

and Lord of lords,

the great God,

mighty and awesome, [Dt 10:17]

A Weekly Posting of Praise from Scripture