Wednesday, June 30, 2004
Holiness and loving God
Holiness for the purpose of knowing God.
Holiness without which no man will see the Lord.
God is Pure.
Purity of heart is necessary to relate to the Pure One.
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Holiness for the purpose of knowing God.
Holiness without which no man will see the Lord.
God is Pure.
Purity of heart is necessary to relate to the Pure One.
to a beloved child of God:
You have been saved from wrath and are in the spiritual dimension of the Kingdom of God's Love, where Jesus reigns. The believer can look at tragedies, trials, triumphs through a tested means of interpretation. Should the entire panorama of creation and all of your experience prove hostile and conspire against knowing God's love in Jesus, all the universe would be rendered helpless!
Nothing can separate you from the love of God which is in Messiah Jesus our Lord. Should, like Job, all the hedges be removed and you were stripped of all you are in this world and of every supportive human relationship, you would still be a person that God loves.
The apostle John was very bold with this principle and we should be just as bold!
He was the apostle uniquely entrusted with Jesus's words, "abide in My love." John took these words to heart.
When John referred to himself in his gospel he called himself "the disciple whom Jesus loved." He didn't define himself by his name, parents, gender, ministry, location, tribe or nation. John so obeyed the exhortation to abide in Jesus's love that it became the determination of his identity.
How about you? Do you define yourself in this way?
For many, the way others view and relate to them shape the way they relate to themselves and their world. No other person's evaluation of your worth is worthy to compare with God's appreciation of your value! Ultimately, His perspective is the only one that solidly endures.
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You have been saved from wrath and are in the spiritual dimension of the Kingdom of God's Love, where Jesus reigns. The believer can look at tragedies, trials, triumphs through a tested means of interpretation. Should the entire panorama of creation and all of your experience prove hostile and conspire against knowing God's love in Jesus, all the universe would be rendered helpless!
Nothing can separate you from the love of God which is in Messiah Jesus our Lord. Should, like Job, all the hedges be removed and you were stripped of all you are in this world and of every supportive human relationship, you would still be a person that God loves.
The apostle John was very bold with this principle and we should be just as bold!
He was the apostle uniquely entrusted with Jesus's words, "abide in My love." John took these words to heart.
When John referred to himself in his gospel he called himself "the disciple whom Jesus loved." He didn't define himself by his name, parents, gender, ministry, location, tribe or nation. John so obeyed the exhortation to abide in Jesus's love that it became the determination of his identity.
How about you? Do you define yourself in this way?
For many, the way others view and relate to them shape the way they relate to themselves and their world. No other person's evaluation of your worth is worthy to compare with God's appreciation of your value! Ultimately, His perspective is the only one that solidly endures.
Monday, June 28, 2004
I was ministering on the topic of God's love about ten years ago and it seemed as if the Lord gave me the word “Pretense.”
And of course, my first response was, “Is it I?”
But I began to realize that people basically believe God pretends that he loves them.
God is not just singing in the room. He's singing to you.
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And of course, my first response was, “Is it I?”
But I began to realize that people basically believe God pretends that he loves them.
God is not just singing in the room. He's singing to you.
Wednesday, June 23, 2004
FOOL VERSE 2
Jeremiah 17:11 "As a partridge that hatches eggs which it has not laid, So is he who makes a fortune, but unjustly; In the midst of his days it will forsake him, And in the end he will be a fool."
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Jeremiah 17:11 "As a partridge that hatches eggs which it has not laid, So is he who makes a fortune, but unjustly; In the midst of his days it will forsake him, And in the end he will be a fool."
Saturday, June 19, 2004
Consider this...
Only those who are holy can have a heartfelt friendship with the Holy One or other people. We are called to be holy for relational reasons.
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Only those who are holy can have a heartfelt friendship with the Holy One or other people. We are called to be holy for relational reasons.
Knowing...
Understanding how and why God acts brings about an increased relationship with God.
Sometimes we are commanded to “know” and the meaning is “to experience”.
Sometimes we are enjoined to “know” and the definition would be “to believe,” or “to acknowledge”.
Both forms of knowledge are Biblical. They complement one another.
One builds and prepares for an increase in the other.
Sometimes experience is given to produce understanding, a deeper wrought faith.
At other times understanding is given to prepare us for a more extensive encounter.
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Understanding how and why God acts brings about an increased relationship with God.
Sometimes we are commanded to “know” and the meaning is “to experience”.
Sometimes we are enjoined to “know” and the definition would be “to believe,” or “to acknowledge”.
Both forms of knowledge are Biblical. They complement one another.
One builds and prepares for an increase in the other.
Sometimes experience is given to produce understanding, a deeper wrought faith.
At other times understanding is given to prepare us for a more extensive encounter.
Wednesday, June 16, 2004
Colossians 3:13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.
The Greek word here for ‘forgive’ has to do with forgiveness upon the basis of 'favor.' The person who is forgiving is favorably disposed towards the offender. The offended person wants to forgive – the offended person wants the relationship restored. It’s a “grace/favor” word.
To think that His motivation for forgiving us is like that... Wonderful.
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The Greek word here for ‘forgive’ has to do with forgiveness upon the basis of 'favor.' The person who is forgiving is favorably disposed towards the offender. The offended person wants to forgive – the offended person wants the relationship restored. It’s a “grace/favor” word.
To think that His motivation for forgiving us is like that... Wonderful.
Saturday, June 12, 2004
Notable quotes:
“We worship God… that's who we are… it’s what we do.” --- Elaine Harwood
“Check your watch at the door.” --- Pastor David Harwood
“It’s moments to us.” --- Marianne Walker
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“We worship God… that's who we are… it’s what we do.” --- Elaine Harwood
“Check your watch at the door.” --- Pastor David Harwood
“It’s moments to us.” --- Marianne Walker
Tuesday, June 08, 2004
Shira wrote...
We should never be afraid to ponder the truth, especially if it conflicts with our sense of reality.
I love the way my daughter thinks...
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We should never be afraid to ponder the truth, especially if it conflicts with our sense of reality.
I love the way my daughter thinks...
Monday, June 07, 2004
IM
Me: did I tell you the assignment for the Love Class - defining agape? I gave them 15 pages of Bible verses - every time agape is used in NT -- they have to read the scriptures -- and they have to come up with their own definition from the text
Friend: that's good
Me: I've gotten a couple of responses... I'm so happy with their response
Friend: so how would you define agape?
Me: 'love'
Me: :)
Me: lol
Me: lol
Friend: thanks for the thoughtful response
Me: lol
Friend: :-D
Me: I like short definitions!
Friend: only God can love with agape love
Me: you have a loftier definition than I -- but He does bring it to perfection: :)
Friend: in Christ
Me: yes, definitely, the standard of excellence
Friend: the unconditional, no strings, attached kind of love
Me: well, I wonder, is that exactly true... but - no quibbling. When i get their definitions, i am going to post them and comment and invite comment.
Friend: Why? Are there strings attached to God's perfect love
Me: He is looking for a return, yes. "Return"
Friend: true
Me: He values and desires that which He loves, not 'altruistic' and unattached -- passionate desire - highly valued - really loved - jealousy, rage, all these things --- they come from agape - agape - the root of holiness
Friend: then the definition of unconditional has conditions
Me: His patience runs out
Friend: yes
Me: But that is not inconsistent w agape. He also agapes justice, etc. He "agapes" some things more than others. For the sake of some things that He "agapes", He hates other things.
Friend: yes
Me: We are His beloved in Messiah Jesus
Friend: so agape has limits
Me: yes and no -- it defines all that God does ... so, then, no -- but the benefits of agape can be missed
Friend: but God limits his limitlessness
Me: right, He does, but will eventually take it up, again - 1 Corinthians 15
Friend: yes
Me: He's humble, He will eventually 'arise'
Friend: indeed
Friend: phone - gotta go
Me: bye
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Me: did I tell you the assignment for the Love Class - defining agape? I gave them 15 pages of Bible verses - every time agape is used in NT -- they have to read the scriptures -- and they have to come up with their own definition from the text
Friend: that's good
Me: I've gotten a couple of responses... I'm so happy with their response
Friend: so how would you define agape?
Me: 'love'
Me: :)
Me: lol
Me: lol
Friend: thanks for the thoughtful response
Me: lol
Friend: :-D
Me: I like short definitions!
Friend: only God can love with agape love
Me: you have a loftier definition than I -- but He does bring it to perfection: :)
Friend: in Christ
Me: yes, definitely, the standard of excellence
Friend: the unconditional, no strings, attached kind of love
Me: well, I wonder, is that exactly true... but - no quibbling. When i get their definitions, i am going to post them and comment and invite comment.
Friend: Why? Are there strings attached to God's perfect love
Me: He is looking for a return, yes. "Return"
Friend: true
Me: He values and desires that which He loves, not 'altruistic' and unattached -- passionate desire - highly valued - really loved - jealousy, rage, all these things --- they come from agape - agape - the root of holiness
Friend: then the definition of unconditional has conditions
Me: His patience runs out
Friend: yes
Me: But that is not inconsistent w agape. He also agapes justice, etc. He "agapes" some things more than others. For the sake of some things that He "agapes", He hates other things.
Friend: yes
Me: We are His beloved in Messiah Jesus
Friend: so agape has limits
Me: yes and no -- it defines all that God does ... so, then, no -- but the benefits of agape can be missed
Friend: but God limits his limitlessness
Me: right, He does, but will eventually take it up, again - 1 Corinthians 15
Friend: yes
Me: He's humble, He will eventually 'arise'
Friend: indeed
Friend: phone - gotta go
Me: bye
Sunday, June 06, 2004
From Shira
" Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."
If this is just simply the way love is...and I think it might be...I mean, think about it--when people are in love, don't they delight in pleasing each other? Don't they overlook the other person's faults, sometimes to their own detriment? If they're really in love, and the object of their affection wants the last piece of cake, don't they give it to them? Anyway...what was I saying? Well, it's something to think about being loved this way, all the time. And I am. And you are. By the perfect One, who did not even withhold the life of His only Son in order to bring us in to relationship with Him... It's quite a thing to ponder.
We should never be afraid to ponder the truth, especially if it conflicts with our sense of reality.
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" Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."
If this is just simply the way love is...and I think it might be...I mean, think about it--when people are in love, don't they delight in pleasing each other? Don't they overlook the other person's faults, sometimes to their own detriment? If they're really in love, and the object of their affection wants the last piece of cake, don't they give it to them? Anyway...what was I saying? Well, it's something to think about being loved this way, all the time. And I am. And you are. By the perfect One, who did not even withhold the life of His only Son in order to bring us in to relationship with Him... It's quite a thing to ponder.
We should never be afraid to ponder the truth, especially if it conflicts with our sense of reality.
From Marianne Walker
I had made an interesting observation about the apostle John recently, He did not call himself ONE of the disciples that Jesus loved but "THAT DISCIPLE WHOM JESUS LOVED"
Hmmm
In addition, there is something of this kind of security of heart that I see in the apostle Paul when he said to those in a ship with him:"For this very night an angel of the God TO WHOM I BELONG and whom I serve stood before me...
John knew himself as the ‘that disciple whom Jesus loved’ and Paul knew ‘to whom he belonged.’
I wonder if this was what Jude meant when he said,
"keep yourselves in the love of God"?
Its in the Book...
John 15:9 "Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love.
Does this mean that the focused, exclusive love that the Father has toward Jesus is my portion too?
Jesus speaks further about the result of this;v 11 These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.
I believe...help me grasp it Lord Jesus.
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I had made an interesting observation about the apostle John recently, He did not call himself ONE of the disciples that Jesus loved but "THAT DISCIPLE WHOM JESUS LOVED"
Hmmm
In addition, there is something of this kind of security of heart that I see in the apostle Paul when he said to those in a ship with him:"For this very night an angel of the God TO WHOM I BELONG and whom I serve stood before me...
John knew himself as the ‘that disciple whom Jesus loved’ and Paul knew ‘to whom he belonged.’
I wonder if this was what Jude meant when he said,
"keep yourselves in the love of God"?
Its in the Book...
John 15:9 "Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love.
Does this mean that the focused, exclusive love that the Father has toward Jesus is my portion too?
Jesus speaks further about the result of this;v 11 These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.
I believe...help me grasp it Lord Jesus.
Saturday, June 05, 2004
Lyrics from '02/03
I will sing praise with You my Lord
To the Great Father we adore
I lift my voice to join Your own
Our praise ascends up to His throne
Our praise ascends to You, Great Lord
I with Your Path and Truth and Door
I with the Great Priest, Your own Son
I with and through this worthy One
Chorus:
Lord our God
Father, King
You will reign forever
I love to sing with You my King
I through Your sacrifice do bring
Praise through Your wounds O worthy Lamb
Together we offer to I Am
Worship and praise I know He’ll hear
For with and through You I draw near
With You I give my offering
Singing with You my Priest and King
Bridge:
We stretch out our hands
With the Lamb, Abba, Father
We’re grateful
In Him we’re Your own
For of You and through You
And to You are all things
Almighty God
On the throne
Who IS and WAS and IS to come
David Harwood 2002/3
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I will sing praise with You my Lord
To the Great Father we adore
I lift my voice to join Your own
Our praise ascends up to His throne
Our praise ascends to You, Great Lord
I with Your Path and Truth and Door
I with the Great Priest, Your own Son
I with and through this worthy One
Chorus:
Lord our God
Father, King
You will reign forever
I love to sing with You my King
I through Your sacrifice do bring
Praise through Your wounds O worthy Lamb
Together we offer to I Am
Worship and praise I know He’ll hear
For with and through You I draw near
With You I give my offering
Singing with You my Priest and King
Bridge:
We stretch out our hands
With the Lamb, Abba, Father
We’re grateful
In Him we’re Your own
For of You and through You
And to You are all things
Almighty God
On the throne
Who IS and WAS and IS to come
David Harwood 2002/3
