Presence does not = Application

I was blessed to sit in on some great teaching this beautiful Sunday morning.  I really appreciate Rob Green's lesson from Judges 1-2.  I can certainly identify (unfortunately) with the people of Israel who continually pursue the wrong thing (i.e. not God).  Then when their situation gets tough, they offer Him lip service but do not truly repent....

For those of you who know me, I have on/off again struggles with making video games my idol of choice.  Currently I am in the on again state of that battle.  Several weeks before seminary started, I had more free time and picked up a free online game.  Of course, I got really into said game and it became my definition of fun/relaxation.  Anyways, I continue to battle with putting this idol behind me and finding my fulfillment in the Lord.

I am so grateful for the continued biblical teaching that I'm exposed to at Faith, as well as in the studies I'm involved in for Seminary.  Now I just need to apply them.  God is doing His part, but I am being fainthearted in my part.  Your prayers are appreciated!  (And I will be submitting all of this to the Lord myself too!  I don't expect it to resolve itself.  I know I have to be actively putting it off and replacing it with delight in the Lord and my wonderful wife!)

P.S.  I love you, Micaela!

Purity of Heart

This was on the front page of Logos today.  It was helpful to me, so I thought I would pass it along to everyone else :)

Scripture Reference - Matt. 5:8

The term Matthew used here means pure or "clean." It can be used literally of physical cleanness, but Scripture often uses it for moral cleanness and purity. A simple but helpful way of looking at the word is to realize that it implies the absence of impurity or filth. It implies a singleness of purpose, without distraction (akin to the concept of "holiness," being set apart for a special purpose; see Jas. 4:8). Any distracting or corrupting influence a kingdom servant allows into his or her heart makes that person less effective as a servant. The kingdom servant has a heart that is undivided and unalloyed.

Weber, S. K. (2000). Vol. 1: Matthew. Holman New Testament Commentary; Holman Reference (p 60). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

First Lesson of the Day

Brought to you from Matthew 8:29 - “What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?”

Even the dumb demons recognize that they are going to lose! Thanks to Dr. Zemek for pointing that out. Very encouraging!

The Beginning of Something New

Yet, O LORD, you are our Father.
We are the clay, you are the potter;
we are all the work of your hand.

Is. 64:8