The daylight is noticeably getting shorter, the nights are cooler and the sound of the crickets fills the air. Teachers are back in school preparing their classrooms for the students to arrive next week, and students are busy with 'back to school' shopping. A new season is closing in on us, especially for families with children.
Lena and I were privileged to celebrate 37 years of marriage last week. This is a milestone we didn't expect to reach. The Lord has truly been good to us and 'caused His face to shine upon us'. How much road we have left together God only knows. He gives life and He ends life according to His timetable. He never makes mistakes.
All too soon, the leaves will begin changing colour in preparation for the winter again. My son tells me that the weeds are beginning to die off in the lakes. Time never stands still, it hastens on to the end. God is the only one not measurable by time, He changes not (immutable). We fade as a leaf and die, we spend our life as a tale that is told. Are we ready, are we prepared for His coming?
Jack
August 29, 2013
August 14, 2013
Temptation
We live in a world that is filled with temptations. To be tempted is not a sin. Jesus was tempted three times by Satan in the wilderness, and He didn't sin. What did He do when He was tempted? He turned to the Word of God, and resisted the temptations rebuking Satan. Jesus is our example.
Temptations reach us through the gateways of our senses: eye gate, ear gate, nose gate, mouth gate, etc. There are even temptations that arise from within, out of our sinful heart. In this high tech 21st century, temptations have become so much more accessible. The temptations are not new, but they come in a more attractive and disguised format.
The Lord's Prayer has the well known petition: And lead us not into temptation. This does not suggest that the Lord would ever be guilty of tempting us, but it is a plea for help when in temptation. The petition continues: but deliver us from evil. This is not a request for the removal of temptations, but it is a cry for help to overcome the temptation. Temptations are a test of our faith, and even serve to strengthen faith. A tree that is exposed to the wind grows stronger roots than a tree that is sheltered from the wind.
There are temptations and behaviors that people under affliction are especially vulnerable to: the tendency to feel sorry for oneself, to be angry and have the 'why me' attitude, to take frustrations out on loved ones and caregivers, to be self - centered, demanding, and ungrateful. I am guilty of all of these sins at one time or another.
Special grace is needed during seasons of affliction, and the Lord is very willing to provide that grace. "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (I Corinthians 12:9)
Temptations reach us through the gateways of our senses: eye gate, ear gate, nose gate, mouth gate, etc. There are even temptations that arise from within, out of our sinful heart. In this high tech 21st century, temptations have become so much more accessible. The temptations are not new, but they come in a more attractive and disguised format.
The Lord's Prayer has the well known petition: And lead us not into temptation. This does not suggest that the Lord would ever be guilty of tempting us, but it is a plea for help when in temptation. The petition continues: but deliver us from evil. This is not a request for the removal of temptations, but it is a cry for help to overcome the temptation. Temptations are a test of our faith, and even serve to strengthen faith. A tree that is exposed to the wind grows stronger roots than a tree that is sheltered from the wind.
There are temptations and behaviors that people under affliction are especially vulnerable to: the tendency to feel sorry for oneself, to be angry and have the 'why me' attitude, to take frustrations out on loved ones and caregivers, to be self - centered, demanding, and ungrateful. I am guilty of all of these sins at one time or another.
Special grace is needed during seasons of affliction, and the Lord is very willing to provide that grace. "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (I Corinthians 12:9)
Jack.
August 9, 2013
Shrek the Sheep
My sister sent this blog post to us and we wanted to share it with you. It is sometimes difficult to find out who wrote the original, but as best we know it came from this blogger.
Enjoy!
This is Shrek the sheep. He became famous several years ago when he was found after hiding out in caves for six years. Of course, during this time his fleece grew without anyone there to shorn (shave) it. When he was finally found and shaved, his fleece weighed an amazing sixty pounds. Most sheep have a fleece weighing just under ten pounds, with the exception usually reaching fifteen pounds, maximum. For six years, Shrek carried six times the regular weight of his fleece. Simply because he was away from his shepherd.
This reminds me of John 10 when Jesus compares Himself to a shepherd, and His followers are His sheep. Maybe it’s a stretch, but I think Shrek is much like a person who knows Jesus Christ but has wandered. If we avoid Christ’s constant refining of our character, we’re going to accumulate extra weight in this world—a weight we don’t have to bear.
When Shrek was found, a professional sheep shearer took care of Shrek’s fleece in twenty-eight minutes. Shrek’s sixty pound fleece was finally removed. All it took was coming home to his shepherd.
I believe Christ can lift the burdens we carry, if only we stop hiding. He can shave off our ‘fleece’—that is, our self-imposed burdens brought about by wandering from our Good Shepherd.
“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Enjoy!
This is Shrek the sheep. He became famous several years ago when he was found after hiding out in caves for six years. Of course, during this time his fleece grew without anyone there to shorn (shave) it. When he was finally found and shaved, his fleece weighed an amazing sixty pounds. Most sheep have a fleece weighing just under ten pounds, with the exception usually reaching fifteen pounds, maximum. For six years, Shrek carried six times the regular weight of his fleece. Simply because he was away from his shepherd.
This reminds me of John 10 when Jesus compares Himself to a shepherd, and His followers are His sheep. Maybe it’s a stretch, but I think Shrek is much like a person who knows Jesus Christ but has wandered. If we avoid Christ’s constant refining of our character, we’re going to accumulate extra weight in this world—a weight we don’t have to bear.
When Shrek was found, a professional sheep shearer took care of Shrek’s fleece in twenty-eight minutes. Shrek’s sixty pound fleece was finally removed. All it took was coming home to his shepherd.
I believe Christ can lift the burdens we carry, if only we stop hiding. He can shave off our ‘fleece’—that is, our self-imposed burdens brought about by wandering from our Good Shepherd.
“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
August 2, 2013
Communication
We all know how important communication is to any human relationship, especially in a marriage. In fact, the lack of communication is one of the major reasons why marriages fail. Communication involves more than verbal expression, it includes facial movements, hand signals and body language as well. A roll of the eyes and a wave of the hand speaks volumes, in addition to the spoken word.
What happens when these forms of communication are cut off? This is without a doubt my biggest loss due to the ravages of ALS. How does one compensate? Well, you do the best you can using primitive, low tech alphabet cards, to high tech Dynavox computer system. But it is definitely not the same. The emotion, the feeling is missing from the computer generated voice. You can communicate your basic needs, but not your innermost feelings.
It is a good thing that communication with God is not limited by our human frailties. He knows our thoughts and the intents of our heart. We don't need words; even groans are enough. We can pray at any time, night or day. He never slumbers nor sleeps, but He is ever mindful of His people.
God speaks to us through His Word and Spirit. John describes Jesus as the Word made flesh (John 1). As the Word, He communicates Himself to us. The Spirit is the Comforter Who applies the Word to our hearts to comfort us with God's promises. There is no communication barrier that gets in the way.
Praise be to His name!
Jack
What happens when these forms of communication are cut off? This is without a doubt my biggest loss due to the ravages of ALS. How does one compensate? Well, you do the best you can using primitive, low tech alphabet cards, to high tech Dynavox computer system. But it is definitely not the same. The emotion, the feeling is missing from the computer generated voice. You can communicate your basic needs, but not your innermost feelings.
It is a good thing that communication with God is not limited by our human frailties. He knows our thoughts and the intents of our heart. We don't need words; even groans are enough. We can pray at any time, night or day. He never slumbers nor sleeps, but He is ever mindful of His people.
God speaks to us through His Word and Spirit. John describes Jesus as the Word made flesh (John 1). As the Word, He communicates Himself to us. The Spirit is the Comforter Who applies the Word to our hearts to comfort us with God's promises. There is no communication barrier that gets in the way.
Praise be to His name!
Jack
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| Look at these two communicate! |
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