Crooked Faith

Still, many in the crowd put their faith in him. They said, "When the Christ comes, will he do more miraculous signs than this man?"
[Jn 7:31]

Forgive me, Lord! Do I say I have faith yet look for proof in performance? Are my beliefs conflicted as such? To say I believe but expect more - different? Speaking yet questioning?

You have already accomplished the impossible, the miraculous. Conquering death and restoring mankind's standing with a Holy God. You are the "Yes" and the "Amen" of God - there is none other.

They "put their faith in you" -- but not in all of who You really, fully are. They believed but wrongly. They believed but still watched and waited for one to deliver them. And what of me?

In the crowd, they believed but before others they wavered, wondered. They believed it but did not proclaim it. Couldn't testify boldly to truth. Reservedly held back, "just in case..."

How often do I? Search me, Lord, and continue Your good work in me.

Exalted Lord Jesus; From everlasting You are God. Yes, Son of Man - but there is none like Thee. You alone are all that is God and man. I come with an imperfect understanding and shallow view asking that You make these crooked places in my faith straight.

The Tenses of Salvation

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!

In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.
[1 Pt 1:3-5 emph added]

Look at the Inspired Word in 1 Peter 1 and notice the past, present, and future workings of salvation in the life of a disciple.

Our rebirth, from God's mercy and grace, is salvation past.

God's power that shields us by faith is salvation present.

God's final deliverance is our salvation future.

Our salvation is not just something we received at baptism. Nor is it something yet to be received. It is ongoing. Active here and now. Living! Past, present, and future!

It is more than this flawed brain can ever comprehend or this wretched sinner will ever deserve.

I greatly rejoice in this living hope I have because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Your almighty power, Father, guard the salvation working to transform your daughter. May this faith result in Your praise, glory, and honor -- now and forevermore. Amen.

Giving Thanks -- For A Garland

Adding to my garland of thanks, grateful hosannas to my King:

The boisterous noise of a family's celebration

Watching a boy and his dog (unsuspectedly)

Seeing my girl love on her cat

The peace of surrender

The state of calm in the face of the unpredictable - all attributable to God

Walking through that "cloud" before Monday

A slow, peaceful drive conversing with my Father

That we are invited participants - not merely spectators - in Jesus bringing glory to God

The women of faith I'm blessed to be surrouned by daily - bushels and baskets of Fruit

The wonder of You! You never cease to amaze. May the heavens be filled with our thanksgiving in response to Your over-abundant love and grace.

A String of Hosannas

O my Strength, I sing praise to you;
you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God.
[Ps 59:17]

Surely God is my help;
the Lord is the one who sustains me.
[Ps 54:4]

You are my God, and I will give you thanks;
you are my God, and I will exalt you.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
[Ps 118:28-29]

Let the name of the LORD be praised,
both now and forevermore.

From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets,
the name of the LORD is to be praised.
[Ps 113:2-3]

A Weekly Post of Praise from Scripture

Monday Praise

Through Jesus, therefore,
let us continually offer to God
a sacrifice of praise—
the fruit of lips that confess his name.
[Heb 13:15]


"Fill Thou my life, O Lord my God,
In every part with praise,
That my whole being may proclaim
Thy being and Thy ways."
~Horatius Bonar ~

Wrapped in Your mercy, Father, I give You praise.

A String of Hosannas

I will praise God's name in song
and glorify him with thanksgiving.

[Ps 69:30]

Acribe to the LORD the glory due his name.
Bring an offering and come before him;
worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.

[1Chron 16:29]

All the nations you have made
will come and worship before you, O Lord;
they will bring glory to your name.

[Ps 86:9]

A Series of Praise from Scripture

Declaring God's Majesty...

...not that I ever could with reasonable adequacy. But with these inept words I'm desperate to declare praise.

Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the LORD
or fully declare his praise?
[Ps 106:2]

Cognizance of God's majesty is sparked in me by:


The blessed trio: The God-Man, Grace Beams, and Love Nails that brought salvation to a lost world

Plentiful, tender mercy Divine

Light streaming from the heavens

The faith of a child

Their contagious giggles

A heart enveloped by the Holy Spirit

Experiencing joy -- regardless of heartache

Mountains -- any size, anywhere

Stately trees

Mirrored surface of a stilled lake

Roaring waves, too

Movement of the air

Sparkling crystals within ugly rocks

Depth of the sea and the breadth of the sky

Song of the night bird

Satisfied desire for more of You


Spilling thanks today, Lord, from a heart full of love for You.

Soli Deo Gloria

("To God Alone Be Glory")

A Garland of Thanks

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
[1 Chron 16:34]

Today, another day to give thanks. Every day a thanksgiving day. I give pause for Hosannas to add to my garland offering.

The dazzling display of Your love in the ordinary trappings of my day include:

Children to love that daily amaze and delight. A daughter to nurture, a son to instruct

The comfort noises of this humble sanctuary

Our families unbroken circle of hands held in prayer

The warmth from the smiles You sent my way today

Strong knees to withstand the burden of my prayer

A verse that fed my soul and kept my mind staid on Thee

A glimpse of light through the drizzle of rain

Knowledge of Your goodness in a world-gone-mad

The dance of this pencil twirling across the page. Always take the lead, I pray.

As I ready to rise from this testimonial chair and close this session of thanksgiving prayer, continue to show me the splendor of You.

Places Traded

He is the propitiation for our sins,
and not for ours only but
also for the sins of the whole world.
[1 Jn 2:2 ESV]

The transference of God’s wrath toward my sin has already transpired in the heavenlies but has it in my heart? Just reading the sacred words on the pages, or knowing it in my head is not enough. Have I identified with this truth personally?

Have I personally accepted the Lamb of God’s propitiation of my sins as fact? This is a vital link in this transference track of mine for 2009. My reconciliation to God is based solely on His blood. Realizing that I am no longer an enemy of God’s because of Christ’s atoning sacrifice on the cross is fundamental. I am no longer consumed with a looming guilt, my often far-reaching shame of sin, and my self-imposed separation from a holy God. But my focus is properly shifted to Jesus - He becomes greater in my spiritual reality.

Imagining my standing with God without Christ creates sheer terror. It is impossible for me to withstand the just penalty of my sin. Fully grasping my sinfulness and helplessness to meet the demands of subsequent judgment brings greater appreciation for the Gospel of Christ. Awareness of ones sin can overwhelm and create a fear of God’s judgment but, in Christ, that is removed and available for my acceptance.

Justice, righteousness, and holiness are God’s very nature. My sin creates an impassable barrier between us. The penalty of my sin must be administered. Jesus stepped down to earth to serve as my substitute. He accomplished what I can not. The penalty has been completely satisfied in its entirety and the barrier shattered. God has accepted His perfect sacrifice as full retribution. Wrath and penalty transferred from this sinner to Christ. Therefore I am free to enter into a relationship with Him. I am now friend to the One who laid down His life that I might live in fellowship with the Holy Trinity.

This reconciliation that has moved me from enemy to friend is only because of Jesus. He traded places with me in the judgment seat. Transference to Christ. Trusting that reality mentally magnifies Jesus appropriately. And I become lesser. That is my aspiration. Confident assurance in the completed work of Christ to secure my salvation makes that attainable.


Holy Lamb of God; I accept by faith Your perfect and complete work on the Cross as a propitiation for my sins. Assuaging the incurred wrath of God due to my sin, You took it fully upon Yourself, the sinless Son of God. Transferring my position from enemy to friend, from convicted and condemned to a forgiven child of my Father, full of grace and mercy. May You become greater - and I less - at the realization and acceptance of this profound gift.

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

Prayers of the Saints

I Thank Thee

O Thou whose bounty fills my cup,
With every blessing meet!
I give Thee thanks for every drop—
The bitter and the sweet.

I praise Thee for the desert road,
And for the riverside;
For all Thy goodness Thy hath bestowed,
And all Thy grace denied.

I thank Thee for both smile and frown,
And for the gain and loss;
I praise Thee for the future crown,
And for the present cross.

I thank Thee for both wings of love,
Which stirred my worldly nest;
And for the stormy clouds which drove Me,
Trembling, to Thy breast.

I bless Thee for the glad increase,
And for the waning joy;
And for this strange, this settled peace,
Which nothing can destroy.

~Jane Crewdson

1860

A Series of Prayer Quotes

Seasonal Praise

Shout with joy to God, all the earth!
[Ps 66:1]

Can you "hear" the shout of joy of the earth in praise of God's glory in the seasons? The explosion of vibrant colors in Fall? The dramatic formations in the white drifts of Winter? The bursting new life in Spring? The warmth and laughter of Summer?

Not only in the astounding visual beauty but the breathtaking recognition of His sustenance of all things -- great and small.

Sing the glory of his name;
make his praise glorious!
[Ps 66:2]

Take notice today of one of God's many blessings and sing praise and blessing of His glorious Name, Name Above All Names. Proclaim His majesty and power. Glorify Him with thanksgiving. Make your praise as glorious as He is.

As the words to one of my favorite praise songs lauds:

"We will praise You right here and now,
Lest the hills and rocks cry out.
You are the Holy One!
You're the One, You're the only One."

"Sing the glory of His Name" and join in the joyful chorus with all the earth -- in every season.

Awesome God; May I ever praise You more and more.

Every Day Thanksgiving

You are my God,
and I will give you thanks;
you are my God,
and I will exalt you.
[Ps 118:28]

The call of autumn arouses an answer of thanksgiving. Aromatic leaves rustle, flocks migrate, vibrant colors explode and saturate the skyline. Creation’s worship dances in the crisp wind and finds its way to my heart. Words dance, too. Percolating from the soul where salvation lives. They tickle this keyboard and spill onto screen. Hopefully drifting to the throne from whence they came.

This season is the celebration of the harvest. A gathering of past season’s fruit-bearing in celebrating what God has given. Thanksgiving, the language of the celebration of God.

Taking stock in thought and mind of His gifts, this is my personal gathering. Harvesting the faith He’s grown from His daily provisions and knowledge of who He is. It brings His many blessings into full view and sparks gratitude. Once ignited it grows the flame to a blazing altar of praise.

God’s bounty from the earth provokes thanks. As does what has grown by His Hand in the soil of faith.

The spirit of thanksgiving is one that is cultivated. It has to be fertilized and worked. Turned. Weeded. Tended. It takes practice but it is not toilsome for from the fullness of His absolute goodness flows ample reasons to extol unending thanks.

Gratitude that brings me to my knees – into the dirt where I was formed - takes my breath away. His Spirit breathes into me a gratitude so inexpressible. Words unspeakable. Awash in the unfathomable thought that The Great I AM would consider me...let alone care for me.

God mixes together tears, joy, pain, contentment, and gratitude for the next crop to germinate beneath the surface – hidden from view. A new hybrid, ready for use the next day of thanksgiving - whatever may come.

Everyday He gives:

• Every day, provisions
  
  
• Every day, blessings
  
  
• Every day, grace
  
  
• Every day, gifts untold
  

Should I not give in response:

• Thanksgiving everyday
  
  
• Time everyday
  
  
• Adoration everyday
  
  

Thanksgiving everyday - every day thanksgiving.

Celebrate the harvest of the Spirit, from His lavish love, with exuberant thanksgiving. The earth is full of His glory, endless thank-prompters.

• Thank You, Lord, for these words and the stirring and forming of them.
  
  
• Thank You for this time and space to create this loving expression of praise.
  
  
• Thank You that this little act is administered by the grace You provide.
  
  
• Thank You for the many forms of inspiration You surround me with that give these eyes of faith a place to land and behold Your glory.
  
  
• Thank You for this quiet place in You where letters funnel and words flow to form what my heart beats for You.
  
  
• Thank You that it is all possible through my Most Amazing Lord and Savior.

Link to related posts

A String of Hosannas

Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
bring an offering and come into his courts. [Ps 96:8]

May the glory of the LORD endure forever;
may the LORD rejoice in his works- [Ps 104:31]

Great are the works of the LORD;
they are pondered by all who delight in them.

Glorious and majestic are his deeds,
and his righteousness endures forever. [Ps 111:2-3]

The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy.

They are steadfast for ever and ever,
done in faithfulness and uprightness.

He provided redemption for his people;
he ordained his covenant forever—
holy and awesome is his name. [Ps 111:7-9]

Great is his love toward us,
and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.
Praise the LORD. [Ps 117:2]


A Series of Praise from Scripture

Wisdom's Call

The study of Scripture has given me an awareness of my utter poverty of comprehension.

The more I read, the more I realize how little I know.

God has already taught me that my highest priority in personal study is not to gain knowledge but to gain reverence. Time in His Word draws me closer to Him and creates the opportunity for Him to awaken and transform this creature.

Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.
[1 Cor 8:1]

He has also pointed out my tendency toward a self-righteous attitude along with a temptation for misapplication. In my case, knowledge requires a generous dose of humility. And added wisdom!

But what of wisdom? The Bible has a lot to say about wisdom. (Especially the Book of Proverbs.) Why, just this morning I was reading Proverbs 9 and saw the cleverness and deceit of loud lady folly.

The woman Folly is loud;
she is undisciplined and without knowledge.
She sits at the door of her house,
on a seat at the highest point of the city,
calling out to those who pass by,
who go straight on their way.
"Let all who are simple come in here!"
she says to those who lack judgment.
"Stolen water is sweet;
food eaten in secret is delicious!"
But little do they know that the dead are there,
that her guests are in the depths of the grave.
[Pv 9:13-18]

Both wisdom and folly call out for the simple. One offers hope and promise. The other, lies of the forbidden. Attempting to appeal to our senses and desires with the temporal. One thing I do understand: I don't want to be on her guest list! (Although, I must admit, I have been a frequent visitor.)

I lean my ear to hear the voice of wisdom and her invitation to the feast so that the Holy One might instruct me. I just pray that with more practice I won't have to strain as much.

Rabboni; I come as your humble student asking for wisdom. Renew this mind with godly wisdom, understanding, and discernment of Your will, Your word, and Your ways. In Christ Name I pray, Amen.

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
[Jms 1:5]

Stowe Poetry

Where winds are raging o'er the upper ocean,
And waves are tossed wild with an angry roar,
It's said, far down beneath the wild commotion,
That peaceful stillness reigns forevermore.

Far, far beneath, noise of tempests falls silent,
And silver waves lie ever peacefully,
And no storm, however fierce or violent,
Disturbs the Sabbath of that deeper sea.

So to the heart that knows Your love, O Father,
There is a temple sacred evermore,
And all life's angry voices causing bother
Die in hushed silence as its peaceful door.

Far, far away, the roars of strife fall silent,
And loving thoughts rise ever peacefully,
And no storm, however fierce or violent,
Disturbs the souls that dwells, O Lord, in Thee.

~Harriet Beecher Stowe

In Need of a Peeling

There are "praise prompters" then there's "prayer prompters." Like simple items for a family meal.

Spuds selected and set aside to prep for dinner, I mused and offered up this prayer to my Father:

Peel back the outer layers, the coverings, that conceal the true core. Leave it exposed before you, no facade, no barrier.

Peel away the dirt, the scars, the imperfections.

Remove what's rotten, the bruises, the damaged parts, the unnecessary.

Leave nothing but spud.

Wholesome. Pure. The Creator's white. What is formed and molded by Your Hand.

Prepare me for my created purpose. Ready for use ~ to nourish others.

Take the ordinary and use it as a spiritual prompter. A teaching opportunity, giving me eyes to see the ways You would have me be holy.

Heaven Scent

Pleasing is the fragrance of your perfumes;
your name is like perfume poured out.
[SS 1:3 NIV]

************

Your anointing oils are fragrant;
your name is oil poured out;
[SS 1:3 ESV]

Sacred perfume poured out - "a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

Holy ointment poured as oil, anointing His royal priesthood.

Healing oil poured out to soothe the scars of sin.

Bathed in the balm of blessing at the very mention of Your Name, a pleasing aroma, anointing the senses.

Mary's nard anointed the Lord with worship. It filled the room with fragrance that pleased the Lord. Bless His Name in worship, a pleasing aroma to our Heavenly Father.

Glorious Lord; You anoint my head with oil, the oil of gladness, an anointing of the King Eternal. You poured out Your perfect life. Holy of Holies. Humbly I ask that you pour over us

Your Fragrance ~ to Anoint ~ to Heal

that we may shine for You and be the aroma of Christ.