As people, don't we have the tendency to for get things? Especially positive things. I can think back to a few one-sentence comments from my dad when I was little that hurt my feelings and quote them to you. But I can't really quote any positive statements from him. Not because they weren't said, but because I didn't internalize them as much. There are a number of times in the Bible (especially in the Old Testament) where God tells us to "remember" all he has done for us. There are also other … [Read more...]
Resolutions
A few months ago, I began to start a list of resolutions - similar to what Johnathan Edwards had done (In fact, I borrowed a few of them). I post it here, as a reminder for me to uphold them. I probably fail on at least one of them daily, but transformation does not happen overnight, otherwise Paul wouldn't have used the term "renewing of your minds" but rather a "changed" mind. The term "renewing" alone seems to suggest more of a process than an event. It is the continual adaptation of our … [Read more...]
Knowing God
Have you ever noticed that we tend to put God in a box? We develop an understanding of who we think God is, and then base our evaluations of Christianity against that perception. However, many times, the God we end up serving may not exactly be the God of the Bible. When the Bible says that God is Jealous, do we discard that description of him because we do not understand it? Do we cast away thoughts of a God who showed judgement in the Old Testament because we want to believe in a loving and … [Read more...]
The Generations
The book of 2 Chronicles, was meant to "chronicle" the journey of God's chosen people from the establishment of Israel, it's separation, the turmoil in Israel & Judah, their ultimate destruction and exile, and how God brought them back to their land. It is a book written for the generations that came after to remind them of both their spiritual and physical heritage.I have found this a fascinating story. Of course, some can look at it simply as a re-telling of the books of the bible that … [Read more...]
Captivity
In 2 Chronicles chapter 6, King Solomon offers up a prayer of dedication for the temple he has built for the Lord. Below is a section of verses selected from that prayer:2 Chronicles 6:36-39 "When they sin against you—for there is no one who does not sin—and you become angry with them and give them over to the enemy, who takes them captive to a land far away or near; and if they have a change of heart in the land where they are held captive, and repent and plead with you in the land of their … [Read more...]