Recent Posts
God? Who Needs Him?May 31, 2013
Self-sufficient humanism. Paul saw it coming – “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.”
Imago Dei
September 12, 2012
So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
Why Can't I Pray?
August 18, 2012
The bible gives us several reasons, but according to Jeremy Taylor, a deceitful heart is at the root of prayerlessness.
It's Not Rocket Science
July 23, 2012
To keep in step with the Spirit should be our daily quest. And if we are successful at that, all of life falls into place.
Theological Steak
April 10, 2012
These words by P. T. Forsythe on the magnificence of Christ's work are to theology what Ruth's Chris is to a good steak.
Describing the Indescribable
February 11, 2012
What we have in Christ will take all eternity to describe. But for one segment of one sermon, a great preacher made a mighty attempt.
Making Sense Of It All
January 30, 2012
Where are things headed? Is there rhyme and reason to the endless cycle of summer, fall, winter and spring? Is there a plan in place, or is randomness the explanation?
Man In The Mirror
January 4, 2010
The mirror doesn't lie. Like, "I need to get in shape," we conclude, or "I gotta' do something about my appearance?" Spiritually speaking, it's important to look in the mirror of God's word, and make the changes accordingly, with the Holy Sprit's help.He was the John Piper of the 17th century. Carl Heinrich von Bogatzky (1690-1744) became an influential Lutheran. A pietist, Bogatzky maintained a dynamic relationship with God which influenced others to follow in his footsteps, including many in the Mennonite movement. The following is from his yearly devotional, GOLDEN TREASURY FOR THE CHILDREN OF GOD....
A new scene of time now begins: put up your hosannas, O my soul, that the Lord may save, bless, and proper you; may he grant you a happy new year indeed!
For this purpose begin it with a dedication of yourself to God; your time, circumstances, and life are in his hands; implore his blessing and protection over the coming year.
Begin this and every following day with prayer; let God have the first thoughts in the morning, the impression they make will not be easily erased by worldly matters.
Grace is promised in the use of means, be diligent, then, and
1) punctual in the performance of them;
2) let your daily request be for an increasing knowledge of yourself, and Jesus Christ in his offices;
3) for a sense of pardoning mercy;
4) for a lively, vigorous faith;
5) for communion with the Father and the Son through the Spirit;
6) for true holiness in heart and life;
7) for strength and protection against thy spiritual foes,
8) and for preserving grace to the end.
9) Pray for the prosperity of Zion; they prosper that love her;
10) for thy friends and relations, begging the Almighty to take them into a covenant relation to himself;
11) for blessings on thy worldly affairs;
12) for a sanctified use of health or sickness, prosperity or adversity, as God shall be pleased to send.
Perhaps, O my soul, this may be the last year of the Lord's patience and your pilgrimage. Is your state safe? Are you a real believer in Jesus? Is the oil of grace in your vessel? If so, you are prepared for every emergency.
And now, my soul, another year
Of thy short life is past
I cannot long continue here;
And this may be my last.
Now a new scene of life begins;
Set out afresh for heaven;
Seek pardon for your daily sins,
In Christ so freely given.
