Something Left

Time - The Most Precious Gift

2012-02-02T10:26:00.001-05:00

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in After Ten Years. --Letters and Papers from Prison, ed. Eberhard Bethge (SCM Press, 1953):

"Time is the most precious gift in our possession, for it is the most irrevocable. This is what makes it so disturbing to look back upon time we have lost. Time lost is time when we have not lived a full human life, time unenriched by experience, creative endeavor, enjoyment and suffering. Time lost is time we have not filled, time left empty." p.13

"But just as the capacity to forget is a gift of grace, so memory, the recalling of the lessons we have learnt, is an essential element in responsible living."

p. 13

"Who stands his ground? Only the man whose ultimate criterion is not in his reason, his principles, his conscience, his freedom or his virtue, but who is ready to sacrifice all these things when he is called to obedient and responsible action in faith and exclusive allegiance to God. The responsible man seeks to make his whole life a response to the question and call of God."

p. 16

"Christ avoided suffering until his hour had come, but when it did come he seized it with both hands as a free man and mastered it." p. 24

"We...are instruments in the hand of the Lord of history." p. 24

"It is infinitely easier to suffer in obedience to a human command than to accept suffering as free, responsible men. It is infinitely easier to suffer with others than to suffer alone. It is infinitely easier to suffer as public heroes than to suffer apart and in ignominy. It is infinitely easier to suffer physical death than to endure spiritual suffering. Christ suffered as a free man alone, apart and in ignominy, in body and in spirit, and since that day many Christians have suffered with him." p. 24

A Hidden Providence

2011-11-16T10:17:00.001-05:00

In the mess of the life, I hear a echo in the Psalms of what Christ has done for me. "He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me." God's providence hinges on the Cross, where Christ meets my deepest need.

The only reason I think providence is hidden is because I am looking in the wrong place (my current circumstances). When if I turned around, I would see sweet providence needs one validation. The Cross is that validation.

This reveals my lack of faith, and perhaps providence is not so hidden after all.

Don't Thank Me

2011-07-28T03:20:00.001-04:00

I want to thank God.

For Christ.
For the Cross of our faithful mediator.
For true life.
For a new family.
For a His beautiful kindness toward me as I stand in faith.
For forgiveness of sins.

Jonathan Edwards On the Expulsion of David Brainerd

2011-07-17T15:39:00.004-04:00

"This awakening was at the beginning of that extraordinary religious commotion which then prevailed through the land, and in which the college shared largely. For thirteen months from this time Brainerd kept a constant diary containing a very particular account of what passed from day to day, making two volumes of manuscripts; but when he lay on his death bed he gave orders (unknown to me til after his death) that these two volumes should be destroyed, inserting a notice, at the beginning of the succeeding manuscripts, that a specimen of his manner of living during that entire period would be found in the first thirty pages next following, (ending with June 15, 1742,) except that he was now more "reformed from some imprudences and indecent heats" than before.

A circumstance in the life of Brainerd, which gave great offence to the rulers of the College, and occasioned his expulsion, it is necessary should be here particularly related. During the awakening in College, there were several religious students who associated together for mutual conversation and assistance in spiritual things. These were wont freely to open themselves one to another, as special and intimate friends: Brainerd was one of this company. And it once happened, the he and two or three more of these intimate friends were in the hall together, after Mr. Whittlesey, one of the tutors, had engaged in prayer with the scholars; no other person now remaining in the hall but Brainerd and his companions. Mr. Whittlesey having been unusually pathetic in his prayer, one of Brainerd's friends on this occasion asked him what he thought of Mr. Whittlesey; he made answer, "He has no more grace than this chair." One of the freshmen happening at that time to be near the hall, (though not in the room,) over-heard these words; and though he heard no name mentioned, and knew not who was thus censured, informed a certain woman in town, withal telling her his own suspicion, that Brainerd said this of some one of the rulers of the College. Whereupon she informed the Rector, who sent for this freshman and examined him. He told the Rector the words which he heard Brainerd utter; and informed him who were in the room with him at that time. Upon this the Rector sent for them. They were very backward to inform against their friend respecting what they looked upon as a private conversation; especially as none but they had heard or knew of whom he had uttered those words: yet the Rector compelled them to declare what he said, and of whom he said it. Brainerd looked on himself as very HI used in the management of this affair; and thought that it was injuriously extorted from his friends, and then injuriously required of him - as if he had been guilty of some open, notorious crime - to make a public confession, and to humble himself before the whole College in the hall, for what he had said only in private conversation. He not complying with this demand, and having gone once to the Separate meeting at New-Haven, when forbidden by the Rector; and also having been accused by one person of saying concerning the Rector, "that he wondered he did not expect to drop down dead for firing the scholars who followed Mr. Tennent to Milford, though there was no proof of it; (and Brainerd ever professed that he did not remember saying any thing to that purpose,) for these things he was expelled from the college.

How far the circumstances and exigencies of that day might justify such great severity in the governors of the college, I will not undertake to determine; it being my aim, not to bring reproach on the authority of the college, but only to do justice to the memory of a person who was, I think, eminently one of those whose memory is blessed. - The reader will see, in the sequel, (particularly under date of September 14,15, 1743,) in how Christian a manner Brainerd conducted himself with respect to this affair; though he ever, as long as he lived, supposed himself ill used in the management of it, and in what he suffered. - His expulsion was in the winter, 1742, while in his third year at college."

The M'Cheyne Cluster 5.20

2011-05-20T10:30:00.000-04:00

"On the tenth day of this seventh month you shall have a holy convocation and afflict yourselves. You shall do no work." Numbers 29:7.

"Whom have I in heaven but you?

And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you." Psalm 73:25.

"And the remainder of the archers of the mighty men of the sons of Kedar will be few, for the Lord, the God of Israel, has spoken." Isaiah 21:17.

"But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction." 2 Peter 2:1.

The M'Cheyne Cluster 5.18

2011-05-18T10:03:00.000-04:00

"So the Lord said to Moses, 'Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him.'" Numbers 27:18.

"With the mighty deeds of the Lord God I will come;

I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone." Psalms 71:16.

"In that day man will look to his Maker, and his eyes will look on the Holy One of Israel. He will not look to the altars, the work of his hands, and he will not look on what his own fingers have made, either the Asherim or the altars of incense." Isaiah 17:7, 8.

"And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you." 1 Peter 5:10.

The M'Cheyne Cluster 5.16

2011-05-17T00:36:00.000-04:00

"Therefore say, 'Behold, I give to him my covenant of peace, and it shall be to him and to his descendants after him the covenant of a perpetual priesthood, because he was jealous for his God and made atonement for the people of Israel.'" Numbers 25:12, 13

"Blessed be the Lord,

who daily bears us up;

God is our salvation." Psalm 68:19

"He has gone up to the temple, and to Dibon,

to the high places to weep;

over Nebo and over Medeba

Moab wails.

On every head is baldness;

every beard is shorn;" Isaiah 15:2

"Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 3:21

The Rationalist

2011-05-02T11:55:00.002-04:00

The optimist says, "The glass is half full."

The pessimist says, "The glass is half empty."

The rationalist says, "This glass is twice as big as it needs to be."

- from Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar by Thomas Cathcart and Daniel Klien

The M'Cheyne Cluster 4.22

2011-04-22T14:07:00.000-04:00

"Yet for all that, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not spurn them, neither will I abhor them so as to destroy them utterly and break my covenant with them, for I am the Lord their God. But I will for their sake remember the covenant with their forefathers, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the nations, that I might be their God: I am the Lord." Leviticus 26:44, 45.

"Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us,

even as we hope in you." Psalm 33:22.

"Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun." Ecclesiastes 9:9.

"For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined." Titus 1:7-8.

The M'Cheyne Cluster 4.21

2011-04-21T14:04:00.000-04:00

"You shall not wrong one another, but you shall fear your God, for I am the Lord your God." Leviticus 25:17

"You are a hiding place for me;

you preserve me from trouble;

you surround me with shouts of deliverance." Psalms 32:7

"For he does not know what is to be, for who can tell him how it will be?" Ecclesiastes 8:7

"But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth." 2 Timothy 4:17

The Mountain by Terje Sorgjerd

2011-04-20T12:48:00.001-04:00

The M'Cheyne Cluster 4.14

2011-04-14T11:32:00.000-04:00

"You shall therefore keep my statutes and my rules; if a person does them, he shall live by them: I am the Lord." Leviticus 18:5

"But you, O Lord, do not be far off!

O you my help, come quickly to my aid!" Psalms 22:19

"For in much wisdom is much vexation,

and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow." Eccl. 1:18

"Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness:

He was manifested in the flesh,

vindicated by the Spirit,

seen by angels,

proclaimed among the nations,

believed on in the world,

taken up in glory." 1 Timothy 3:16

The M'Cheyne Cluster 4.12

2011-04-12T12:08:00.000-04:00

"'And this shall be a statute forever for you, that atonement may be made for the people of Israel once in the year because of all their sins.' And Moses did as the Lord commanded him." Leviticus 16:34.

"Day to day pours out speech,

and night to night reveals knowledge." Psalms 19:2.

"If you have been a fool by being proud or plotting evil,

cover your mouth in shame." Proverbs 30:32.

"The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith." 1 Timothy 1:5.

The M'Cheyne Cluster 4.11

2011-04-11T12:32:00.000-04:00

"'Thus you shall keep the people of Israel separate from their uncleanness, lest they die in their uncleanness by defiling my tabernacle that is in their midst.'" Leviticus 15:31.

"To flatter friends

is to lay a trap for their feet." Proverbs 29:5.

"For by you I can run against a troop,and by my God I can leap over a wall.

This God—his way is perfect;

the word of the Lord proves true;

he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him." Psalm 18:29, 30.

"But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one...May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ." 2 Thess. 3:3, 5.

The M'Cheyne Cluster 4.9

2011-04-09T13:03:00.001-04:00

"He shall remain unclean as long as he has the disease. He is unclean. He shall live alone. His dwelling shall be outside the camp." Leviticus 13:46

"I say to the Lord, 'You are my Lord;

I have no good apart from you.'" Psalm 16:2

"Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming,

but who can stand before jealousy?" Proverbs 27:4

"This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering—since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might." 1 Thess. 1:5-9

Michael Gungor - Doxology

2011-04-09T12:54:00.001-04:00

(HT: Justin Taylor)

Shadowlands, the Story of C.S. Lewis! Must See.

2011-04-09T03:13:00.002-04:00

Watch this tonight with friends. It is a must see!

Buy it here: Shadowlands http://me.lt/7s0nT

Read Roger Ebert's Review

The M'Cheyne Cluster 4.7

2011-04-07T11:56:00.000-04:00

"And fire came out from before the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord." Leviticus 10:2

"May the Lord cut off all flattering lips,

the tongue that makes great boasts,

those who say, 'With our tongue we will prevail,

our lips are with us; who is master over us?'" Psalm 12:3,4

"Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain

is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked." Proverbs 25:26

"That each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God." 1 Thessalonians 4:5

Our New And Exalted Identity

2011-04-07T01:08:00.001-04:00

Our New And Exalted Identity

The M'Cheyne Cluster 4.6

2011-04-06T16:00:00.001-04:00

"And Moses and Aaron went into the tent of meeting, and when they came out they blessed the people, and the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people. And fire came out from before the Lordand consumed the burnt offering and the pieces of fat on the altar, and when all the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces." Leviticus 9:23, 24

"O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted;

you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear

to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed,

so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more." Psalm 10:17,18

"An honest answer

is like a kiss of friendship." Proverbs 24:26

"For you yourselves know that we are destined for this [suffering]." 1 Thess. 3:3b

Shifting Shadows

2011-04-04T14:58:00.000-04:00

"Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:16-17 (NIV) Emphasis Added .

The M'Cheyne Cluster 4.4

2011-04-04T14:18:00.000-04:00

"This is the law of the burnt offering, of the grain offering, of the sin offering, of the guilt offering, of the ordination offering, and of the peace offering, 38 which the Lord commanded Moses on Mount Sinai, on the day that he commanded the people of Israel to bring their offerings to the Lord, in the wilderness of Sinai." Levitus 7:37-38

"I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness,

and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High." Psalm 7:17 (Emphasis Added)

"The rich and the poor meet together;

the Lord is the maker of them all." Proverbs 22:2

"We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction." 1 Thessalonians 1:2-5a

Risen Has Arrived

2011-04-04T13:54:00.003-04:00

Sovereign Grace has produced a new album, "Risen." I have been enjoying the whole album; it is a worship-filled collection. Two songs specifically, Behold our God and To Live Is Christ. "To Live Is Christ" is quickly becoming an absolute favorite, taken from Philippians 1:21.

Here is an article by Bob Kauflin on the project. Plus, a YouTube video on the album.
Risen Has Arrived

A Day Made of Glass... Made possible by Corning.

2011-04-02T15:52:00.001-04:00

The M'Cheyne Cluster 4.2

2011-04-02T15:04:00.000-04:00

"And he shall sprinkle some of the blood of the sin offering on the side of the altar, while the rest of the blood shall be drained out at the base of the altar; it is a sin offering." Levitius 5:9
"You have put more joy in my heart
than they have when their grain and wine abound." Psalm 4:7

"Who can say, 'I have made my heart pure;
I am clean from my sin'?" Proverbs 20:9

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." Colossians 3:16