Wednesday, September 19, 2018
Quote from Robert J Morgan on Success
"Success is doing the will of God and doing it with the right attitudes and in one-day increments as HE assigns the work - being synchronized with the sacred." (from his book "Mastering Life Before It's Too Late)
Friday, August 3, 2018
Spurgeon from Zechariah
This is the second year in a row I've used the resource of the Read Scripture App. Last year I read directly from the app as I followed the reading plan it lays out. This year I'm using a physical Bible. At this time I'm loving the Spurgeon Study Bible (CSB). It's a great resource that I picked up when I was on one of my many trips to Cleveland last year with my Dad as he battled cancer.
The plan has just started into Zechariah. I've found Zechariah challenging to read over the years because of its non-linear style. Yet each year I've found it challenging and ultimately good for my soul. Further reinforcing how HIS Word is so beautiful and needed.
Here are some quotes from Spurgeon based on verses from todays reading in the plan followed by the Read Scripture App...
Zech.2.8
For the Lord of Armies says this: "In pursuit of his glory, he sent me against the nations plundering you, for whoever touches you touches the pupil of my eye."
Spurgeon on Zech.2.8
Stand at the foot of Calvary, and lettuce groans of Christ pierce your heart. Behold his head crowned with thorns; look at his hand and his feet streaming like fountains of blood. Think for a moment of the awful anguish which his spirit suffered, of the unknown pains he bore when he redeemed our souls for God; and you will readily conclude that love so amazing, which could pay a price so stupendous, would not easily loosen its hold on what it has purchased for itself.
Zech.3.9
Notice the stone I have set before Joshua; on that one stone are seven eyes. I will engrave an inscription on it" - this is the declaration of the Lord of Armies - "and I will take away the iniquity of this land in a single day.
Spurgeon on Zech.3.9
The position of sin in a natural man that of a king on his throne; the position of sin in a Christian is that of a bandit hiding in secret places trying to get back its old usurped dominion but failing in the attempt.
The plan has just started into Zechariah. I've found Zechariah challenging to read over the years because of its non-linear style. Yet each year I've found it challenging and ultimately good for my soul. Further reinforcing how HIS Word is so beautiful and needed.
Here are some quotes from Spurgeon based on verses from todays reading in the plan followed by the Read Scripture App...
Zech.2.8
For the Lord of Armies says this: "In pursuit of his glory, he sent me against the nations plundering you, for whoever touches you touches the pupil of my eye."
Spurgeon on Zech.2.8
Stand at the foot of Calvary, and lettuce groans of Christ pierce your heart. Behold his head crowned with thorns; look at his hand and his feet streaming like fountains of blood. Think for a moment of the awful anguish which his spirit suffered, of the unknown pains he bore when he redeemed our souls for God; and you will readily conclude that love so amazing, which could pay a price so stupendous, would not easily loosen its hold on what it has purchased for itself.
Zech.3.9
Notice the stone I have set before Joshua; on that one stone are seven eyes. I will engrave an inscription on it" - this is the declaration of the Lord of Armies - "and I will take away the iniquity of this land in a single day.
Spurgeon on Zech.3.9
The position of sin in a natural man that of a king on his throne; the position of sin in a Christian is that of a bandit hiding in secret places trying to get back its old usurped dominion but failing in the attempt.
Derwin Gray quote
"People live out of either the hurt they feel or the healing Jesus provides."
- Derwin Gray, from his book Limitless Life
- Derwin Gray, from his book Limitless Life
Spurgeon Quote from Haggai
I love the Book of Haggai. Two chapters easily digestible and broken down into four parts all the while being so challenging. The following is a quote from Spurgeon...
Haggai 1.7-8 (CSB)
7 The Lord of Armies says this: "think carefully about your ways. 8 Go up into the hills, bring down lumber, and build the house; an I will be pleased with it and be glorified."
Spurgeon on Haggai 1.7-8
It does not matter whom we please of God is not pleased, or who gets honor from what we give, if God is not glorified as a result.
Challenging quote to examine our hearts by from a challenging book of the Bible.
Haggai 1.7-8 (CSB)
7 The Lord of Armies says this: "think carefully about your ways. 8 Go up into the hills, bring down lumber, and build the house; an I will be pleased with it and be glorified."
Spurgeon on Haggai 1.7-8
It does not matter whom we please of God is not pleased, or who gets honor from what we give, if God is not glorified as a result.
Challenging quote to examine our hearts by from a challenging book of the Bible.
Monday, July 30, 2018
Spurgeon & the Book of Daniel
I’m reading through the Book of Daniel at this time. I have enjoyed reading in the Spurgeon Study Bible which is a CSB ( Christian Standard Bible). The following are some verses with quotes by Spurgeon:
Dan.3.14
Nebuchadnezzar asked them, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, is it true that you don’t serve my gods or worship the gold statue I have set up?
Spurgeon on Dan.3.14
“If we mean to be a Christian, and therefore intend to cast off the bondage of this present evil world, our resolve must be taken to bear all consequences rather than worship the idol of the hour.”
Dan.3.25
He exclaimed, “Look! I see four men, not tied, walking around in the fire unharmed; and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”
Spurgeon on Dan.3.25
“We must go into the furnace if we would have the nearest and dearest dealings with Christ Jesus.”
Dan.6.10
When Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house. The windows in its upstairs room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before.
Spurgeon on Dan.6.10
“When we know our duty, first thoughts are the best; if the thing is abosolutely right, never think about it a second time, but straightaway go and do it.”
Great, challenging insights from the Prince of Preachers.
Dan.3.14
Nebuchadnezzar asked them, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, is it true that you don’t serve my gods or worship the gold statue I have set up?
Spurgeon on Dan.3.14
“If we mean to be a Christian, and therefore intend to cast off the bondage of this present evil world, our resolve must be taken to bear all consequences rather than worship the idol of the hour.”
Dan.3.25
He exclaimed, “Look! I see four men, not tied, walking around in the fire unharmed; and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”
Spurgeon on Dan.3.25
“We must go into the furnace if we would have the nearest and dearest dealings with Christ Jesus.”
Dan.6.10
When Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house. The windows in its upstairs room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before.
Spurgeon on Dan.6.10
“When we know our duty, first thoughts are the best; if the thing is abosolutely right, never think about it a second time, but straightaway go and do it.”
Great, challenging insights from the Prince of Preachers.
Thursday, July 26, 2018
Thoughts on life
My life is nothing I thought it would be. I never expected to be or do all that I am and have done. To have this life is something that humbles me. To live this life is something I don’t take lightly. Through it all I live in awe of the one that has granted it and I stand amazed to serve HIM.
Each Sunday I’m blown away by the privilege and the weight of the task that is before me in preaching. The privilege to speak of the glories of the One who saved me and sustains me and seeks to do the same for others who would believe astounds me. The weight of the responsibility that has been given in this task I feel daily. Yet each time and each week the weight is overwhelmed in the worship that wells up in the preparation and during the delivery of that which has been agonized and prayed over.
I have no regrets in this call and the pressure of wanting to serve well in it. I could never imagine doing anything else. Yet there are times it can be overwhelming in so many ways. It’s in those times I rest in HIS graciousness and mercy and found how big HE is and how much I desperately need HIM. So I cling, I beg, I pray, I strive, and in it all I fall and find HE is my all and that is perfect.
My biggest concerns come in wanting to make sure HE is glorified and served in a way that honors HIM along with wanting to see my children grow to want to do the same. In this I have a helpmate that I treasure and love with all my heart. She walks with me in a way that no other could or would. She is my best friend. I pray daily for her and our children, for their protection, for the growth in Christ, for fruit to be born in their lives. Yet my heart is burdened to know they carry the weight of my position and I can do nothing about that. I pray that weight is not a burden but that which is used in their continual refinement in HIM. Oh, may they serve and stand for HIM in a way that glorifies HIM and impacts lives!
My life is nothing I thought it would be. My hope is that in the grind of each day I may live passionately and invest in others well. I pray that who I am will forever reflect Who HE is.
Each Sunday I’m blown away by the privilege and the weight of the task that is before me in preaching. The privilege to speak of the glories of the One who saved me and sustains me and seeks to do the same for others who would believe astounds me. The weight of the responsibility that has been given in this task I feel daily. Yet each time and each week the weight is overwhelmed in the worship that wells up in the preparation and during the delivery of that which has been agonized and prayed over.
I have no regrets in this call and the pressure of wanting to serve well in it. I could never imagine doing anything else. Yet there are times it can be overwhelming in so many ways. It’s in those times I rest in HIS graciousness and mercy and found how big HE is and how much I desperately need HIM. So I cling, I beg, I pray, I strive, and in it all I fall and find HE is my all and that is perfect.
My biggest concerns come in wanting to make sure HE is glorified and served in a way that honors HIM along with wanting to see my children grow to want to do the same. In this I have a helpmate that I treasure and love with all my heart. She walks with me in a way that no other could or would. She is my best friend. I pray daily for her and our children, for their protection, for the growth in Christ, for fruit to be born in their lives. Yet my heart is burdened to know they carry the weight of my position and I can do nothing about that. I pray that weight is not a burden but that which is used in their continual refinement in HIM. Oh, may they serve and stand for HIM in a way that glorifies HIM and impacts lives!
My life is nothing I thought it would be. My hope is that in the grind of each day I may live passionately and invest in others well. I pray that who I am will forever reflect Who HE is.
Friday, January 12, 2018
Thoughts on 2017
This past year has been one of the most challenging and rewarding years of my life. Challenges have come in terms of family and personal struggles. The rewards have been in professional growth. I have found this in and of itself to be time of growth yet painful at the same time.
The challenges have come through the health of my parents and Jill’s sister. One of the more painful things I’ve watched is the deterioration of my Mom. She struggles with Alzheimer’s and there are times where she forgets my children’s name. While they handle this with grace, which makes me so proud as a Dad, my heart breaks. She has always been one of the brightest women I’ve ever known. She’s always been sharp in terms of insight and intellect. She finished her ungraduate degree in less than four years and finished her Master’s degree Summa Cum Laude. Watching her struggle to connect with my family and them not experience her as I’ve always known her is devastating at times. I’m so thankful for her and her influence in my life.
My respect for my Dad has grown immensely through this year while my heart has hurt over his cancer diagnosis. My Dad was diagnosed with Bladder Cancer. It has been quite aggressive. In June he lost a kidney due to it along with having four tumors removed from his bladder. In four weeks I drove over 4400 miles on trips to Cleveland Clinic and my parents house to help with care for Dad. There have been other trips to Cleveland as well. He has had numerous procedures through the year along with treatment. It has been quite a journey for him and it will continue. My respect for him has grown immensely in and through this as I learn from and watch him as he serves as the primary caregiver for my Mom. We’ve had so many conversations through this year that I will cherish forever. He has expressed so much about his love for Mom and his concern for her. I have learned from watching him live this out about how to hopefully be a better husband in the future. It truly is for better or worse and in sickness and health that we love our spouse. My Dad has embodied this for me in vivid ways.
On top of all happening with my parents my sister in law was diagnosed with Colon Cancer this past fall. This is Jill’s little sister. They shared the same room growing up and are close. She had not been feeling well so Jill took her the ER and through this a mass was discovered on her colon. This lead to a resection and was followed by chemotherapy. She battled and is now in remission. It was quite a scary time for us and Jill’s family. God has used this Cancer in many ways her her life and her husband’s life for which I’m thankful for. HE has restored their marriage and more importantly I’ve seen growth in HIM in each, especially her.
With these things I’ve found myself to have struggled personally in different ways. As I walked through this year I found myself frustrated with care I fealt I didn’t receive from those around me who demand so much from me. As I serve there is endless demands at times yet no expressions of care or gratitude and in this I found myself wounded yet the wounds were self-inflicted because of my self-centered desire. So I had to wage war over this sin in my heart because it was rooted in selfishness and not springing from a heart that was focused and finding rest in Christ. That was not an easy task and I still find times where repentance is needed. I want my heart to be grateful to and humbled by HIM. I then want this to be expressed in my life. Yet I fail miserably at this. I’m thankful for HIS continued graciousness to me in this and so many other areas of my life where I fail in such ways.
As all of this transpired personally, along with other struggles that I will not mention. Things at a Covenant have gone well. We’ve experienced growth in many ways. We did not see the number of people embrace Jesus as Savior as I had hoped but we saw growth in those who did and saw growth in our attendance. I have learned through this that I must be laser focused on certain things and allow these to drive me forward in an attempt to keep pressing toward HIM. I learned to be more patient with those around me and understand that some have HIM as a focus and some focus on their preference and self-interest yet to work with and seek growth in HIM in all. This is a work in progress as is any attempt to be a shepherd and leader. My prayer is that I may serve well and fail well. In service HE is glorified. As I fail, which seems so often, I pray HE will be gracious and that HE will continue to develop the humility I so desperately lack so that HE will be gloried as well.
My heart has ached. My heart has been humbled in many ways. My heart has grown as well. May HE be honored in it all. Soli Deo Gloria.
The challenges have come through the health of my parents and Jill’s sister. One of the more painful things I’ve watched is the deterioration of my Mom. She struggles with Alzheimer’s and there are times where she forgets my children’s name. While they handle this with grace, which makes me so proud as a Dad, my heart breaks. She has always been one of the brightest women I’ve ever known. She’s always been sharp in terms of insight and intellect. She finished her ungraduate degree in less than four years and finished her Master’s degree Summa Cum Laude. Watching her struggle to connect with my family and them not experience her as I’ve always known her is devastating at times. I’m so thankful for her and her influence in my life.
My respect for my Dad has grown immensely through this year while my heart has hurt over his cancer diagnosis. My Dad was diagnosed with Bladder Cancer. It has been quite aggressive. In June he lost a kidney due to it along with having four tumors removed from his bladder. In four weeks I drove over 4400 miles on trips to Cleveland Clinic and my parents house to help with care for Dad. There have been other trips to Cleveland as well. He has had numerous procedures through the year along with treatment. It has been quite a journey for him and it will continue. My respect for him has grown immensely in and through this as I learn from and watch him as he serves as the primary caregiver for my Mom. We’ve had so many conversations through this year that I will cherish forever. He has expressed so much about his love for Mom and his concern for her. I have learned from watching him live this out about how to hopefully be a better husband in the future. It truly is for better or worse and in sickness and health that we love our spouse. My Dad has embodied this for me in vivid ways.
On top of all happening with my parents my sister in law was diagnosed with Colon Cancer this past fall. This is Jill’s little sister. They shared the same room growing up and are close. She had not been feeling well so Jill took her the ER and through this a mass was discovered on her colon. This lead to a resection and was followed by chemotherapy. She battled and is now in remission. It was quite a scary time for us and Jill’s family. God has used this Cancer in many ways her her life and her husband’s life for which I’m thankful for. HE has restored their marriage and more importantly I’ve seen growth in HIM in each, especially her.
With these things I’ve found myself to have struggled personally in different ways. As I walked through this year I found myself frustrated with care I fealt I didn’t receive from those around me who demand so much from me. As I serve there is endless demands at times yet no expressions of care or gratitude and in this I found myself wounded yet the wounds were self-inflicted because of my self-centered desire. So I had to wage war over this sin in my heart because it was rooted in selfishness and not springing from a heart that was focused and finding rest in Christ. That was not an easy task and I still find times where repentance is needed. I want my heart to be grateful to and humbled by HIM. I then want this to be expressed in my life. Yet I fail miserably at this. I’m thankful for HIS continued graciousness to me in this and so many other areas of my life where I fail in such ways.
As all of this transpired personally, along with other struggles that I will not mention. Things at a Covenant have gone well. We’ve experienced growth in many ways. We did not see the number of people embrace Jesus as Savior as I had hoped but we saw growth in those who did and saw growth in our attendance. I have learned through this that I must be laser focused on certain things and allow these to drive me forward in an attempt to keep pressing toward HIM. I learned to be more patient with those around me and understand that some have HIM as a focus and some focus on their preference and self-interest yet to work with and seek growth in HIM in all. This is a work in progress as is any attempt to be a shepherd and leader. My prayer is that I may serve well and fail well. In service HE is glorified. As I fail, which seems so often, I pray HE will be gracious and that HE will continue to develop the humility I so desperately lack so that HE will be gloried as well.
My heart has ached. My heart has been humbled in many ways. My heart has grown as well. May HE be honored in it all. Soli Deo Gloria.
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