Again, today, my blog post is prompted by my lesson from Spurgeon's book of devotionals called "Morning by Morning". Spurgeon is able to dissect scripture in an amazing way an pull out application implications that I would overlook every time. Today, Genesis 7:16: And those that entered, male and female of all flesh, went in as God had commanded in him. And the Lord shut him in. Now, this scripture comes directly from the account of Noah and the great flood. Having been through the D. Platt curriculum on how to study the Bible, I know that it can be a dangerous practice to assign implied meaning to scripture that is simply telling a story, but Spurgeon eloquently draws a parallel picture without distorting the historical exclusivity of this passage.
When God calls us out, transforms out hearts and souls, and justifies us before the Father, he shuts us in. We are shut in and protected from our former passions. We are shut in, or perhaps ushered into communion with the Father, Son, and Spirit. Yes, the infinitely glorious, ultimate joy-possessing, completely perfect Trinity. We are shut in to the possibility of experiencing joy greater than our old nature could ever know. HALLELUJAH! WHAT A SAVIOR (Bob Kauflin's Hymn Project is playing in my ear as I type). When sanctification begins, we are at war with our former nature. But, like Noah, we are shut in and protected from raging storms. While the winds of trials and temptation blow us off our navigated course, we are protected from the debris that these winds stir up. And flood waters lift us closer to Heaven. God's elect dwell in Him, and Him in us.
I imagine myself in this shut-in state with God the Father. His son, Jesus, my Savior protecting me from the Father's wrath and allowing me to feel their love. The Holy Spirit permeating this fellowship like a cool breeze. Imagine the joy and peace, the satisfaction and true contentment that comes from this experience. I pray for the ability to experience this fellowship daily as Jesus' blood prompts sanctification and a stronger desire/need for it. By faith, let us proclaim victory in Him and own this fellowship daily as we wade through the floods of life.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Monday, June 1, 2009
Preach the Gospel to Yourself
Today's post is going to be rather random, as there are many thoughts that I feel are worthy of imparting on whomever may read this post. Three different thoughts......
1.) As I am in the process of weaning from an antidepressant/antianxiety medicine, it seemed quite appropriate to revisit C.J. Mahaney's little but life-changing book, "The Cross Centered Life." I am reminded of the importance of preaching the gospel to ourselves (C.J. gives credit to John Stott for that terminology), so here is a fundamental scripture to memorize. 2 Corinthians 5:21: "For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." If you've not already committed this verse to memory, I exhort you to do that with me and revisit it all day long, letting this thought season every activity you take on throughout the day.
2.) Do I live daily with a healthy fear of God? Thank you to my friend and pastor, Scott, who took our flock on a scripture-journey yesterday, speaking truth from the word of God and prompting each of us to dwell on our perception (or misperception) of the Sovereign God of all we know. Proverbs 1:7 "The fear of the Lod is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction." This sermon actually piggy-backs so nicely on what God has been revealing to me in my "quiet times" with Him daily. Spurgeon's devotion book, "Morning by Morning" has lately (coincidentally) been dealing with the sufficiency of God and our Savior in the midst of trials. David, a man after God's heart, and Jesus, His own sinless, perfect son did not live on earth without trials. Why on earth do I seek a problem-free existence day after day? There is nothing in His Word that says that I deserve a comfortable life, free of resistance or darkness. As a matter of fact, Paul says that God gave him a thorn in his flesh to keep him from becoming arrogant. I pray that God will use our struggles to draw each of us closer to Him!
And this leads me to the last truth that God has unveiled recently.....
3.) James 1: 13-16 (Thanks again, Scott), my own paraphrase: No one is tempted by God. I am tempted when I am enticed by myself and my own sinful desires (people pleasing, comfort, satisfaction/joy in inferior objects/practices). Desire breeds sin, and sin becomes spiritual death. Don't be deceived!
This prompts a question: why are my desires more important than seeking God through prayer and scripture?
1.) As I am in the process of weaning from an antidepressant/antianxiety medicine, it seemed quite appropriate to revisit C.J. Mahaney's little but life-changing book, "The Cross Centered Life." I am reminded of the importance of preaching the gospel to ourselves (C.J. gives credit to John Stott for that terminology), so here is a fundamental scripture to memorize. 2 Corinthians 5:21: "For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." If you've not already committed this verse to memory, I exhort you to do that with me and revisit it all day long, letting this thought season every activity you take on throughout the day.
2.) Do I live daily with a healthy fear of God? Thank you to my friend and pastor, Scott, who took our flock on a scripture-journey yesterday, speaking truth from the word of God and prompting each of us to dwell on our perception (or misperception) of the Sovereign God of all we know. Proverbs 1:7 "The fear of the Lod is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction." This sermon actually piggy-backs so nicely on what God has been revealing to me in my "quiet times" with Him daily. Spurgeon's devotion book, "Morning by Morning" has lately (coincidentally) been dealing with the sufficiency of God and our Savior in the midst of trials. David, a man after God's heart, and Jesus, His own sinless, perfect son did not live on earth without trials. Why on earth do I seek a problem-free existence day after day? There is nothing in His Word that says that I deserve a comfortable life, free of resistance or darkness. As a matter of fact, Paul says that God gave him a thorn in his flesh to keep him from becoming arrogant. I pray that God will use our struggles to draw each of us closer to Him!
And this leads me to the last truth that God has unveiled recently.....
3.) James 1: 13-16 (Thanks again, Scott), my own paraphrase: No one is tempted by God. I am tempted when I am enticed by myself and my own sinful desires (people pleasing, comfort, satisfaction/joy in inferior objects/practices). Desire breeds sin, and sin becomes spiritual death. Don't be deceived!
This prompts a question: why are my desires more important than seeking God through prayer and scripture?
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